At a Glance
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Eastern Orthodoxy
Tradition, theosis, icons, and salvation through the sacraments
AuthorityScripture + Holy Tradition + the Seven Ecumenical Councils
SalvationTheosis — participation in the divine nature through the sacraments
JustificationNot a legal declaration — a process of transformation and deification
IconsVenerated as windows to heaven; kissed and bowed before
MaryTheotokos (God-bearer) — ever-virgin and highly venerated
The ChurchThe one true church — all others are outside the Church
SacramentsSeven sacraments as necessary means of grace
PurgatoryNot taught formally, but prayers for the dead are practised
The PopeRejected — the five ancient patriarchates share authority
AssuranceNot emphasised — salvation is a lifelong process
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Sovereign Grace
God alone saves, by grace alone, through Christ alone
AuthorityScripture alone — Sola Scriptura
GodThe triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
SalvationGrace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone
JustificationComplete, instantaneous, eternal — Romans 5:1
AtonementFinished once for all at Calvary — John 19:30
JesusGod the Son, crucified, risen, and reigning
EternityHeaven or hell — by God’s sovereign grace
AssuranceThe believer may and ought to know he is saved — 1 John 5:13
The ChurchAll elect believers; no earthly headquarters
PrayerTo God alone through Christ alone — 1 Tim 2:5
Detailed Doctrine-by-Doctrine Comparison
Topic
Eastern Orthodoxy Teaches
Scripture Teaches
Scripture & Tradition
OrthodoxyEastern Orthodoxy holds that Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition together constitute the one source of divine revelation. Tradition includes the decisions of the Seven Ecumenical Councils, the writings of the Church Fathers, the liturgy, and the canons of the Church. Neither can be separated from or set above the other.
GraceScripture alone is the inspired, infallible Word of God and the only rule of faith. To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isaiah 8:20). The traditions of men are not co-equal with Scripture. Christ rebuked those who made the Word of God of none effect through their tradition (Mark 7:13).
Salvation & Theosis
OrthodoxySalvation in Orthodoxy is understood primarily as theosis — participation in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), a process by which the believer is increasingly united with God and transformed into the divine likeness. This is not deification in the sense of becoming God in essence, but genuine participation in the divine energies. It is a lifelong process, not a once-for-all declaration.
GraceJustification is a once-for-all legal declaration in which God pronounces the sinner righteous on the basis of Christ’s imputed righteousness, received by faith alone. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). This is complete and cannot be added to by any sacramental process or moral transformation.
Icons & Veneration
OrthodoxyIcons are not mere pictures but windows to heaven — sacred images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints that mediate the presence of those they depict. They are venerated (kissed, bowed before, and censed) but not, Orthodoxy insists, worshipped. The distinction between veneration and worship is considered theologically decisive.
GraceGod forbade all images made for religious purposes: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image… thou shalt not bow down thyself to them (Exodus 20:4–5). The distinction between veneration and worship is not found in Scripture. God does not permit bowing to images of any kind. The times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent (Acts 17:30).
Mary & the Saints
OrthodoxyMary is the Theotokos (God-bearer or Mother of God) and ever-virgin. She is the highest of all created beings and intercedes for believers. The saints also intercede, and their prayers are sought through prayer directed to them. Relics of the saints are venerated.
GraceMary was a holy and blessed woman who was the human mother of the Lord Jesus Christ. She was herself a sinner who needed a Saviour: my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour (Luke 1:47). The dead saints do not intercede. There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Prayers to any but God are forbidden.
The Sacraments
OrthodoxyThe seven sacraments (called Holy Mysteries) are genuine means of grace through which God’s life is imparted to the believer. Baptism effects regeneration; the Eucharist is the true body and blood of Christ; chrismation (confirmation) imparts the Holy Spirit. Participation in the sacraments is essential to salvation.
GraceBaptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances for believers, outward signs of inward grace already received, not channels through which grace is given. He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved (Mark 16:16) — faith precedes baptism. The bread and cup of the Lord’s Supper are memorials: this do in remembrance of me (Luke 22:19).
The Church
OrthodoxyThe Eastern Orthodox Church is the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church founded by Christ and the apostles. Those outside its boundaries — Protestant, Catholic, and other Christians — exist in varying degrees of separation from the fullness of the Church. Full membership in the Church is necessary for full participation in salvation.
GraceThe Church is the body of all elect believers of every time and place, united to Christ as its only Head. Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). It has no earthly headquarters, no single patriarch, and no hierarchical institution as its defining feature. All who are born of God are members of his Church.