SIN AS A DISEASE AND ITS THERAPY

Archimandrite GRIGÓRIOS

Archimandrite GRIGÓRIOS – igumen (abbot), Hesychasterion of the Venerable John the Russian, 63085 Pefkochori, Chalkidiki, Hellenic Republic (Greece)

Abstract

The article introduces the idea of spiritual transformation of a person from sinful and sick, through repentant, to loving God. Distancing oneself from God creates a chasm between God and man, but despite this, God does not cease to love man. Illness always follows health; a person who is far from God becomes [spiritually] ill. Pain, sorrow, and death enter their lives. However, Christ did not come into the world to punish man, but to heal him, to free him from the power of the devil. God seeks to purify and rebuild this ruined image of man. The highest expression of His divine love is His sacrifice on the cross. Christ forgave the sins of the whole world in his person until his second coming. When a person understands that the way he lives is not his right, that it is not the joy of life, but an attitude towards life that distances him from God, he desires to return to God. This steady march toward healing is called repentance, which is perfected through confession. In the Church, we have many remedies that help the penitent to heal. In cooperation with a spiritual father, we learn to struggle spiritually. Nowadays, people are involved in many activities, but they must also set aside time for themselves. We visit many places and people besides ourselves. All these means of falling in love with God help us to convince Him that we want Him in our lives.

Keywords

Love, spiritual struggle, therapy, salvation, sin, repentance

SUMMARY

Man is created in God's image and likeness. In paradise, this image was marred by sin. This caused man to distance himself from God, which he was unable to overcome on his own. God Himself, in His infinite love, sets an example in His only Son, who came into the world among men and showed an example of obedience even to the cross in order to save mankind. However, salvation is not automatic. Man must first understand his state of sinfulness and separation from God. Only then can he embark on the path to salvation. God, in his Church, offers man many means of support on this difficult path. However, if man loves God on the basis of the love he sees in God towards himself, he will turn away from his selfishness and transform his passions into virtues that will help him to salvation. There is no path to salvation without accepting Christ as a friend, teacher, Creator, and Savior.

(Language: english)

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