Assimilation Quote by Maximus the Confessor
“There is a single energy of God and the saints? they are living icons of Christ, being the same as He is, by grace rather than by assimilation.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: On the Incarnation, 7th century
God’s divine energy is shared with saints, who become living reflections of Christ through grace, not by becoming identical to Him.
In simple terms: Saints reflect Christ by grace, not by becoming Him.
Seek divine grace, not imitation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- prayer
- monastic life
- spiritual direction
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you experience divine grace?
- What distinguishes grace from imitation?
Grace alone cannot replace personal responsibility.