This unique study brings together the best of contemporary exegesis with the tradition of Eastern Christianity and illustrates the biblical roots of the Eastern Church's understanding of grace as the energy of God: Grace is a transforming experience which exalts the Christian to a state in which sharing in the divine life is possible, first as a pledge in this earthly life, then in paradise and at last in a glorious body at the final resurrection. The book presents, in lay terms, the shape for an Orthodox biblical theology for the 21st century and will be of interest to all Christians for whom the Bible is divine revelation and for whom tradition continues to be creative.

Stephen Thomas recently retired from a long career in academic theology. His last position was that of Senior Lecturer in Christian Theology, Canterbury Christ Church University, from which he retired in 2000. He holds degrees from Oxford and London Universities and has a doctorate from Durham University, England. His book, Newman and Heresy, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2001. He has also written numerous articles on the relationship of theology to philosophy and on conscience in Orthodox thought. He is an Orthodox Christian.