How the Life in Christ Begins in This Life

“The life in Christ originates in this life and arises from it. It is perfected, however, in the life to come, when we shall have reached that last day. It cannot attain perfection in men’s souls in this life, nor even in that which is to come without having already begun here. Since that which is carnal, the mist and corruption which derive from the flesh, cannot inherit incorruption, it casts a shadow over that life in this present time.  Therefore Paul thought it to be a great advantage to depart in order to be with Christ, for he says,’ to depart  and to be with Christ is far better’. But if the life to come were to admit those who lack the faculties and senses neccessary for it, it would avail nothing for their happiness, but they would be dead and miserable living in that blessed and immoral world. The reason is, that the light would appear and the sun shine with its pure rays with no eye having been formed to see it. The Spirit’s fragrance would be abundantly diffused and pervading all, but one would not know it without already having the sense of smell…..Those, then, who have not acquired these things before they departed have nothing in common with that life. To this the five foolish virgins and the man invited to the wedding feast are witnesses, since they came without either the oil or the wedding garment and were not able to buy them then.”- From The Life in Christ by Nicholas Cabasilas