"But, as nature cannot as yet wholly rise to the level of deathlessness and overcome the weight of the flesh and perfect itself in spiritual knowledge, not even this third degree of knowledge is able to move towards total perfection, so as to live in the world of death and yet leave behind completely fleshly nature.”
While a man is in the flesh, therefore, he passes from one degree of knowledge to another. He has the help of grace, but is hindered by the demons, “for he is not totally free in this imperfect world.”
Every work of knowledge consists in “effort and constant practice,” but the work of faith “does not consist in acts,” but in spiritual thoughts and in purity of soul, and this is above the senses. For faith is subtler than knowledge, as knowledge is subtler than the senses. All the saints who attained to such a life “abide by faith in the delights of a life above nature.”
This faith is born in the soul through the light of grace which, “by the testimony of the mind, sustains the heart that it may not be uncertain in hope—in a hope that is far removed from all presumption.”
This faith has “spiritual eyes” which perceive “the mysteries hidden in the soul, hidden riches that are concealed from the eyes of sons of the flesh” but are revealed by the Holy Spirit, Who is received by the disciples of Christ (cf. John 14:15–17).
The Holy Spirit is “the holy power” that abides within a man of Christ, preserving and defending his soul and body from evil. This invisible power is perceived with the eyes of faith by those whose minds are enlightened and sanctified. It is known to the saints “through experience.”
St Justin Popovich
