While the biblical concept of deification or divinization-exaltation
to godhood-is commonly ignored or dismissed in modern Christian
teaching, this doctrine was well established among early theologians
of mainstream tradition.
Though the writings of these men are not always
biblically accurate, the following quotes from their writings demonstrate
that in the first centuries after the New Testament was written many
still understood the clear implications of its teachings on this subject:
Justin Martyr (ca. 100-165): "[By Psalm 82] it is demonstrated that
all men are deemed worthy of becoming gods, and of having power to become
sons of the Highest" (Dialogue With Trypho, chap. 124).
"We have learned that those only are deified who have lived near to
God in holiness and virtue" (First Apology, chap. 21).
Theophilus of Antioch (ca. 163-182): "If he [man] would incline to
the things of immortality, keeping the commandment of God, he should
receive as a reward from Him immortality, and should become God" (To
Autolycus, Book 2, chap. 27).
Irenaeus (ca. 130-200): "For we cast blame upon Him [God], because
we have not been made gods from the beginning, but at first merely men,
then at length gods; although God has adopted this course out of His
pure benevolence . . . He declares, I have said, You are gods; and you
are all sons of the Highest [Psalm 82:6]" (Against Heresies, Book
4, chap. 38).
"How, then, shall he be a God, who has not as yet been made a man?
Or how can he be perfect who was but lately created? How, again, can
he be immortal, who in his mortal nature did not obey his Maker? For
it must be that you, at the outset, should hold the rank of a man, and
then afterwards partake of the glory of God" (Against Heresies, Book
4, chap. 39).
