Theosis

"The non-Orthodox Churches have as their emphasis the forgiveness of sins in order that one might not go to hell, and [instead] go to Heaven. Because of this, the understanding of what salvation is, has become a more of a juridical or legal issue, where the goal of the Gospel and the goal of everything is forgiveness of one's sin. In contrast, we as Orthodox view forgiveness of sins only as the first step in the process of salvation. We're forgiven; indeed we are forgiven, but so that we may be purified and healed, so that we can be transfigured, so that we can become God-like. The goal is not for us to make it to heaven, the goal really is God Himself. The goal is the mystical union, and communion with Him. This is Theosis, divinization, deification, transfigurement -- whatever we want to call it. It's a forever process of becoming by grace what God is by nature, without ever becoming God." - Fr. James Bernstein, The Illumined Heart Podcast, May 22, 2008