What is synergism in relationship to salvation?

Response

Synergism originates from a fusion of the Greek words for “working together” and “energy.” When combined, they signify “a joint effort.” When referring to salvation, synergism suggests that salvation is achieved through the collaborative action of both God and man. This differs from monergism, which is derived from the Greek words for “single” and “energy,” signifying “a singular force.” Monergism implies that God alone is entirely and solely responsible for an individual’s salvation.

Certain passages in Scripture are sometimes interpreted as supporting synergism. Of particular significance are Matthew 23:37, where Jesus mourns that Jerusalem was “unwilling” to come to Him, and John 5:40, where Jesus accuses the Jewish leaders by stating, “You refuse to come to me to have life.” These statements suggest that, in some way, individuals can be held accountable for resisting the Holy Spirit or rejecting salvation. Based solely on these verses, it appears that salvation is achieved through a joint effort: a syn-ergon. Both God and man must cooperate for salvation to occur.

Similarly, 1 Timothy 2:3–4 and 2 Peter 3:9 seem to imply that God at least “permits” some to be lost, despite His desire for “all” to be saved. The concept of salvation as an invitation—something that can be accepted or declined—is prevalent in the New Testament. Refer also to Revelation 22:17, John 4:10, John 6:44, 1 Peter 2:7, and Matthew 22:1–14.

Therefore, considering these Scriptures, the notion of human responsibility in salvation cannot be completely disregarded. God does not save anyone apart from faith in Christ, so an individual must “cooperate” by exercising faith. The question then arises, where does this faith originate from?

A strict interpretation of monergism asserts that faith is entirely a gift from God, a part of the grace He bestows upon us (Romans 11:6).

Pelagianism and semi-Pelagianism are forms of synergism. Pelagianism views mankind as basically good and emphasizes human freedom and willpower over the grace of God. According to Pelagianism, we all possess an inherent power to choose holiness for ourselves, without any intervention of God’s grace. Semi-Pelagianism allows that we are sinful, but not totally. In the view of semi-Pelagianism, we are only tainted by sin, and we can still cooperate with God’s grace and choose to seek Christ on our own. The Bible refutes Pelagianism and semi-Pelagianism: before receiving the grace of God that saves us, we are “dead” in our sins «And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; », (Ephesians 2:1). A

Apart from grace, we are hopeless.

Synergism is unbiblical because it starts with a person who has at least a spark of spiritual life; Scripture says we are dead in sin «And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; », (Colossians 2:13). Synergism says we are able to take a step toward God apart from grace; Scripture says that “there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God” «There is none that understandeth, There is none that seeketh after God. », (Romans 3:11). Synergism says we can meet God in the middle; Scripture pictures us as sheep that need gathering, prisoners who need freedom, and blind people who need a miracle (Matthew 9:36;Luke 4:18).

As much as a single idea can attempt to describe salvation, monergism is the only biblically viable option. Salvation is God’s work, pure and simple. “Salvation belongs to the Lord” (Psalm 3:8;ESV;cf: Jonah 2:9;Revelation 7:10). Synergism denies the grace of God and attempts to give mankind some credit.