Theophan suggests some guiding principles that he believes are indispensable for the Christian life. These principles, he states, “define how to acquire the saving desire for communion with God” and to be able to “remain in communion with Him”. In other words, we must learn how to “begin to live the Christian life” and after we have learned how to do this, to “perfect” ourselves in this life.

These principles must, according to Theophan, bring a person into God’s presence. They must be practical enough to help a person to grow in the faith. In essence, a person is not truly born a Christian but must learn how to be a Christian. While the seed of Christ falls on the soil of a heart that is already beating, the experiences a child receives from his parents, family and friends contributes either to the growth of this seed or to its demise. That is why it is essential that we, who truly believe in the message of Christianity, share our faith with our children.

Theophan believed that there are three stages which, according to their characteristics, are present as we grow in the faith:

(1) Turning to God, which is conversion;

(2) Purification; and

(3) Sanctification.

In the first stage a man turns from darkness to light, from the reign of the world to the reign of God. In the second, he cleanses the dwelling-chamber of his heart from every impurity, in order to receive Christ the Lord, who is coming to him. In the third, the Lord comes, makes His home in the heart of a man and shares life with him. This third stage is the goal of life.

To show the way to salvation means that we must describe all these things and define the rules which govern their operation. Full guidance in this matter takes a man on the crossroads of sin, leads him through the fiery way of cleansing, and raises him up to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.