The Reception of Divine Life

Abstract Discusses Cyril’s understanding of how the divine life in Christ is appropriated by us. The first stage of investigation consists in a sketch of Cyril’s theology of grace, showing the interplay of faith, human freedom, and divine grace in the reception of divine life. The second stage asks whether (and in what sense) the Incarnate Word serves as the pattern for our reception of, and progress in, the divine life, and whether Cyril allows full play for the humanity of Christ. The third and final stage asks what the relation is between the divine life implanted in us and the fruits of that divine life worked out in us and through us in this present age. Concludes that in Cyril, our reception of the divine life is ordered to a distinctive way of life and to a progressive sanctification through which we are conformed to Christ.