To what extent can we grow in virtue with the spirit of discernment?

True virtue bestows on us growth in attributes of a heavenly spiritual youth without progression to impotent old age. St. John Chrysostom says that for the body, old age comes after youth. But the soul of a true believer will never become old, but will remain in a state of endless youth, if she so wills. He also says that the blessing (of baptism) is great, but if we will, it can become even greater.⁷⁵⁴ The Christian does not stop growing, as he moves from a state of spiritual childhood to spiritual maturity. And if he wills, he does not descend into weak and helpless old age but remains always in a state of renewed spiritual youth.

St. John Chrysostom says, “While the one are punished justly, the others are crowned by grace. For though they had done ten thousand things, the munificence were of grace, that in return for services so small and cheap, such a heaven, and a kingdom, and so great honor, should be given them.”⁷⁵⁵ He also says, “For to flee from wickedness is not enough, but you must show forth also great virtue … the Judge henceforth is coming, His very self, the very Lord of the kingdom, leading unto greater self-restraint, calling us to heaven, and drawing us upward to those abodes.”⁷⁵⁶