In todays Christianity the questions of whether various denominations have grace or not, and to what degree, are being asked more than ever. Let us therefore try to put out a simple argument on why there is no grace outside the Orthodox Church.

There are many Holy Fathers stating this exact position, but there are some people that use the writings found in various sources, including Orthodox, to argue against it. We thought it would be appropriate to say a few words on the subject.

Deuteronomy 4:2 says: “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you”. Nothing can be taken away or added to the truth. Christ also said (Mark 3:29) “But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Spirit hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation”. And again, in John 16:13 we read: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

Examining these three paragraphs it becomes clear that The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, and whomever sins against the Holy Spirit, meaning against the Spirit of Truth, shall not be forgiven (not by us but by God – we can only acknowledge this warning to keep away). So what does this mean? The problem is not that the heretics say half truths, it is that they say half-lies! By this they sin against the Spirit of Truth and are fallen from grace.

We should not mistake half-truths with half-lies. Speaking half-truth is when someone only speaks some truth because that is all he knows, yet he can be saved! But when someone speaks half-lies, he has fallen.

The Truth has been revealed by God to men directly (through Christ), or through the Holy Spirit. The seven ecumenical synods are the prime example of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit and the revelation of Truth to man. Any new teaching that contradicts previously revealed truths is a lie.

Heresy is therefore the sin against the Holy Spirit.