I'll start. These verses illustrate to me very clearly how Orthodox view synergistic grace.
From Mw. 14:
25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”
Christ called Peter to come out of the boat. In order to come out of the boat, two things needed to happen. First, Peter had to believe that if he walked out, he would walk on water. Second, he had to actively respond to Christ's call. Of course, if he tried to walk to Christ by his own power, he would certainly sink. But by the grace of God, he was able to walk on water towards Him. Once he took his mind and eyes off of Christ, however, he immediately sank. But Christ in his mercifulness was waiting for Peter to call out to Him in repentance so that he could save him and restore him to his feet. Christ did not go to Peter and take him physically out of the boat and carry him onto the water (perhaps even against his will). He called Peter, and Peter responded in active faith.
Cool!
ICXC NIKA
