The Ancient Antiochene Church of God ~ The Shepherds Way ~ Nugget of Truth: Antiochene Christian Theosis (AACG)

Antiochene Christian Theosis

What is Christian “theosis”? Many American Christians are not familiar with this teaching. It was accepted and practiced by the first Christians and is taught from Sola Scriptura (The Christian Bible). It involves teaching the process of Christian maturity. Theosis is a Greek word that simply means “making divine”. Another word that is sometimes used for this process is “deification”. Presbyter King, of the Ancient Antiochene Church of God, has started making this important doctrine known to the American churches, especially in the year 2026.

Understanding this ancient doctrine and practice is very important. It demonstrates that true Christianity is an ongoing process and relationship with God which unfolds throughout our life. It is the true spiritual growing process. Another term used for this process is “apotheosis”. We are more careful about using this term because it has become interpreted to mean too many different things. Be that as it may, let us briefly look at this teaching and gain some understanding.

Going through the process of Christian maturity (theosis) is a true spiritual transformation of the soul. It begins through the process of “catharsis”. This involves inner reflection of your own background, experiences, and understandings in light of Christian revelation. Introspection, dealing with your sins and the confrontation of your personal weaknesses. It is likened to being placed in a “purging fire”. The impurities of your character must be “burned out”. This happens through the understanding of “pure doctrine”.

Old false beliefs must be done away with. A sort of “dying to the old self” must continue to take place. The next thing that becomes experienced through this process is “theoria”. This is a process of illumination. The Antiochene Church has called it the state of “illuminosity”. This process takes place through synergy, active cooperation with the Holy Spirit. A title given to the Holy Spirit is “Thought Adjuster”. The Holy Spirit helps us reprogram our minds to become developed into the Divine Mind – the Mind of Christ. This is a life-long process and continues on into eternity.

This happens supernatural through God’s uncreated energies. We become a true Christian first through baptism (the Sacrament of Baptism). After this we begin our life long journey in Christian growth and maturity. True Christians have been given the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is the gift and “seal” of our salvation. The Holy Spirit leads us to Christ in all things. Theosis also occurs through proper worship and Christian fellowship within the “body of Christ” (the Church).

We never become a part of God’s “essence” (ousia) but we do become “one” with His divine energy. God’s nature is experienced through connection with His divine energy (special presence). What seems impossible (becoming a divine being) has become possible through Jesus Christ. The fact that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ demonstrates that we can become “godly” (celestial children) through “the Way” of Jesus Christ. He became part of the human family that we may become a member of the God-family.

We worship a triune God – God is Trinity. Developing relationship with the Divine Trinity is the purpose and process that we were created for. Theoria is gaining special experience in this process. Theoria is gaining illumination, becoming a developed illuminatus. Jesus tells us to be “the Light of the world”. Through our relationship with Him be become the “lux” of the fallen dark world.

We are to become “like God”. God tells us, “Be Holy”. True Christians are in the process of restoration. We are being restored to what we were originally created to be, an “icon of God”. We have truly been created in the “image of God”. Right now, we are pre-celestial beings growing in the “womb of the Church”. The Christian church is understood to be “the Bride of Christ”. Through our baptism we become “begotten children of God”. We experiencing the process of “rebirth”.

The Ancient Antiochene Church of God understands this process of Christian maturity in three main stages. Though other Eastern Churches have slightly different interpretations as to what this means, we understand the three processes as such:

1-Katharsis (the purgative way).

2-Theoria (the illuminative way)

3-Theosis (the unitive way)

Theosis is generically used to describe this entire three-phase process. First, catharsis (katharsis) involves conscious experience with the struggles of this life. Second, using the inner knowledge (proper epignosis) of God and personal experience with God to address all issues of life. Third, to experience constant rebirth in the spirit-soul and ultimately attain celestial status at the final resurrection.

This is called the “divinization process”. Read Colossians ch.3 to get started. We hope to give you much more information regarding this extremely important topic. Please don’t give up. Continue your studies with us here at “The Shepherds Way & Nugget of Truth”. If you are a true Christian, we welcome you as one of us, an Ancient Antiochene Christian. There are no fines, fees, or forms to fill out. Whatever church you may currently attend, if you believe that God is using you there, stay there as God leads. Share with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ what you learn with us here. Be careful and prayerful.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

AACG (March 17^th 2026)

Process of Antiochene Theosis