Monergism vs. synergism—which view is correct?

Answer

Monergism and synergism have been debated within the church for centuries. It is not an exaggeration to state that this debate pertains to the very essence of the gospel. First, let us clarify the two terms. Discussions regarding monergism versus synergism are, from a theological perspective, about who brings about our salvation. Monergism is the belief that God alone brings about our salvation. This perspective is commonly linked with Calvinistic and Reformed traditions. Synergism, on the other hand, is the belief that God collaborates with us in some way to bring about salvation.

The term monergism originates from a compound Greek word meaning “to work alone,” while synergism is derived from another compound Greek word meaning “to work together.” As previously mentioned, monergism is frequently connected with Calvinism. Calvinists often accuse Arminians of adhering to synergism; however, many Arminians, if not the majority, would refute the accusation and position themselves within the monergism camp.

Monergism asserts that God is the one who accomplishes the work of salvation, and the chosen ones are the recipients of that work. Even the faith required to accept God’s salvation is a gift from God (see Ephesians 2:8-9). Synergism, on the other hand, suggests that God plays a part in the work of salvation, but humanity must still take action to receive the benefits: exercise faith, undergo baptism, maintain good deeds, and so forth. When defined in this manner, synergism is evidently contrary to biblical teachings. No human effort or merit can be added to God’s grace without nullifying grace «And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. », (Romans 11:6).

Calvinists commonly link the term monergism with Calvinism: if you uphold monergism, you must be a Calvinist. While it is true that Calvinism is monergistic, there areAlso, many Arminians consider their theological system monergistic in this way: faith must be present to receive God’s grace, but faith itself is not meritorious. Faith receives grace, but it does not cause grace. In fact, classical Arminianism teaches that the faith required to receive divine grace is a response to God’s prevenient grace. Therefore, God still accomplishes the work of salvation, even though an act of human will (enabled by God) is viewed as a necessary condition to receive it.

The core of the monergistic argument is that God is actively saving people and not just rendering them “savable.” Monergism begins with an individual who is an enemy of God, seemingly beyond salvation, and, through God’s grace, brings that spiritually dead person into a state of saving faith and unity with Christ. On the other hand, synergism, in all its variations (including Pelagianism), starts with a person who possesses at least a spark of spiritual life. This individual has the natural capacity to move towards God independently of grace and thus meet God halfway. While God may do most of the saving work, He must also somehow rely on the efforts of the individual being saved.

Monergism asserts that God provides everything necessary for our salvation and that He is fully capable of saving us; synergism argues that God is essential but inadequate. Ultimately, the synergistic system places the burden of salvation on us, whereas monergism places the entire responsibility for our salvation on God. It is God who has “predestined . . . called . . . justified . . . glorified” us in Christ «Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. », (Romans 8:30). He is the one who initiated and will bring to completion the work of salvation within us «being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: », (Philippians 1:6). It is He who keeps the sheep secure in His hand (John 10:27-30).

In conclusion, the weight of the biblical evidence clearly supports the monergistic view of salvation—Jesus is the author and perfector of our salvation “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”, (Hebrews 12:2). There is no room for us to boast, and all the glory goes to God our Savior!