What does the Bible say about Monergism vs. Synergism?

Overview of Monergism and Synergism

Monergism and synergism address how salvation occurs and whether it is solely an act of divine grace or a cooperative effort between God and humanity. Monergism asserts that God alone is the decisive cause of salvation. Synergism suggests that human beings, in some manner, cooperate with God’s work of grace. Exploring the biblical data on this topic involves studying passages on salvation, grace, faith, and the sovereignty of God.

Definition of Monergism

Monergism derives from the concept of “one working.” It asserts that God, by an act of His sovereign will and power, brings individuals to salvation independent of any human cooperation. In this view, while faith is present, that faith itself is enabled by God’s grace. The ground for this argument rests on passages describing God’s sovereignty in bringing sinners to life, emphasizing His power to change hearts and draw people to Himself.

Definition of Synergism

Synergism derives from the concept of “working together.” It teaches that although salvation is initiated by God’s grace, humans must respond in a way that truly contributes to the process (e.g., maintaining faith, exercising personal choice). Synergists frequently point to scriptural examples of commands to repent, believe, and obey as cooperation with God’s gracious offer. This viewpoint sees human responsibility and divine sovereignty as complementary truths rather than opposing claims.

Key Scriptural Passages

1. Ephesians 2:1–10

Monergists emphasize verses 1, 4, and 5: “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins…But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in trespasses…”. This highlights humanity’s spiritual deadness and God’s sole initiative in granting life. Verses 8 and 9 further underscore: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast”. Monergists contend these words affirm God’s singular action in salvation.

Synergists acknowledge God’s initiative but also interpret verse 8 (“through faith”) to suggest a meaningful, cooperative human response. They highlight that people must exercise faith, even if that faith were itself enabled by God’s prior grace.

2. John 6:44–45

“‘No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: “And they will all be taught by God.” Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me’”. Advocates of monergism stress God’s unilateral action in drawing individuals to Christ. From this perspective, a spiritually dead person cannot effectively choose unless God works.

Synergists agree God draws, but they underscore the verbs “taught” and “heard,” suggesting that an active response or willingness is integral to this process.

3. Romans 9:15–16

“‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy”. Monergists consider this a defining statement: salvation depends entirely on God’s mercy, not on any exertion on the part of humankind.

Those who espouse synergism urge that this passage be understood within the broader context of Romans 9–11, pointing out that Paul also later exhorts individuals to believe and that human responsibility plays a role (Romans 10:9–10).

4. Philippians 2:12–13

“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure”. Synergists hold this passage up as an example of cooperation. They see “work out your salvation” as referring to a genuine responsibility for believers to act.

Monergists emphasize that verse 13 clarifies: God is the one who actively accomplishes the will and actions of believers, underscoring His sole energizing role.

5. James 2:14–26

This passage highlights the relationship between faith and works: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). Synergists conclude that genuine faith is demonstrated by actions, supporting the idea that believers must cooperate with the grace given. Monergists point out James is discussing the evidence of saving faith, not faith’s origin. Works are the fruit, not the cause, of salvation.

Early Church and Historical Development

Throughout church history, theologians have debated the balance of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. Augustine of Hippo taught that God’s grace is irresistible and monergistic: human beings, dead in their sins, cannot choose Christ on their own. Pelagius, conversely, emphasized free will to a point considered unorthodox by later creeds. The Council of Orange (AD 529) affirmed the necessity of God’s grace for salvation and the vital role of human response, yet steered away from any suggestion that man’s unaided will can bring salvation. The Reformation further polarized views on these doctrines, with Martin Luther’s “Bondage of the Will” leaning strongly monergistic, while some other Reformers left more room for mystery between divine sovereignty and human action.

Key Theological Considerations

1. Divine Sovereignty

Scripture consistently upholds that God has the sovereign right and power to save. “Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases” (Psalm 115:3). Passages throughout the biblical narrative illustrate God’s initiative in calling and saving. Monergists see this sovereignty as decisive in personal salvation, reinforcing the belief that human choice, in and of itself, is insufficient to effect salvation.

2. Human Responsibility

The Bible also contains abundant calls to repentance and faith. “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out” (Acts 3:19). Many interpreters conclude that these imperatives reflect a role for human beings to respond freely. Whether viewed as fully enabled by grace (monergism) or partly a “working together” (synergism), the essential presence of a response from individuals is without question.

3. Nature of Grace

Monergism emphasizes that grace is completely unmerited and effectually transforms the heart, generating the faith it requires. Synergism maintains that God’s grace can be resisted or cooperated with, while still affirming its necessity for salvation. The biblical theme of grace as a gift underscores that salvation is not something earned, but a free bestowal of divine favor.

4. Faith and Works

Regardless of the perspective, Scripture ties true faith closely to good works (Ephesians 2:10). Both views would see works as the outcome or proof of salvation, rather than the cause. This alignment preserves the doctrine that salvation is not achieved by human merit.

Points of Convergence

1. God initiates salvation.

2. Salvation cannot be attained by human merit.

3. Faith and repentance are required of believers.

4. Authentic faith produces transformation and works.

Both monergism and synergism uphold the importance of God’s grace, the necessity of faith in Christ, and the transformation of the believer. The distinction lies in how God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility interact in the process of coming to faith.

Practical Implications

1. Humility: Both perspectives emphasize gratitude for the divine gift of salvation.

2. Evangelism: Whether monergistic or synergistic, sharing the good news remains imperative. Matthew 28:19 calls believers to “go and make disciples of all nations”.

3. Assurance: Monergism highlights assurance in God’s power to save, while synergism starts from the premise that our persevering faith is still undergirded by divine sustenance.

Conclusion

Scripture exhorts that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). These bedrock truths are embraced in monergistic and synergistic theology alike, even as they diverge on whether this faith originates solely from God’s unilateral action or is in some manner cooperatively enacted by the believer.

When exploring monergism and synergism, it remains vital to hold fast to the overarching testimony of the Bible: the God who created all things opens a path of salvation exclusively through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Trusting in this divine plan compels believers to humbly exult in the grace that rescues and to actively respond in faith, bearing fruit in obedience. As these doctrines have been discussed throughout church history, they have repeatedly driven home the central truth that Christ Himself is the ultimate source of redemption for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16–17).