In a candid testimony, an Orthodox theologian confessed that it was possible to be
religious but at the same time lost, because it had happened to him.
Dr Bradley Nassif is a theologian of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the
East, and academic director for Fuller Theological Seminary in the USA. He made his
personal remarks at the end of midday preaching in the university chapel on Saturday.
"It is not only possible to be religious but lost, but it actually happens to some of
us, especially those of us in religious work. I am one of them!" Dr Nassif said.
"I grew up in the Orthodox Church, was a moral and upright young man. I went to
church every Sunday, made the sign of the cross, kissed the icons, and read the Bible and
Orthodox literature ceaselessly in my youth.
"I was even ordained a subdeacon and was on my way to becoming a priest. I could
quote the Bible and recount the history and theology of the Orthodox Church in great
detail and with great precision.
"I don’t want to call attention to my intellectual achievements, but I want to
tell you: That is not enough! You can have all the religious knowledge you want, and still
not know God."
However, God did not leave people there. He looked into people’s hearts to see
whether they really want more of God -- not only knowledge about him -- and revealed
himself in love.
"He invites all of us, scholars, priests, lay persons, journalists, delegates and
anyone else: Come to God through Christ, in the Holy Spirit," he said.
Dr Nassif, who promotes Orthodox-evangelical dialogue around the world, preached on
"Salvation in the Trinitarian God".
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