Monergism

Definition

Monergism is the theological belief that salvation is entirely the work of God, with no cooperation from human beings. This concept emphasizes that grace and redemption are initiated and accomplished solely by God's will and action, rejecting any notion of human merit or contribution to the process of salvation. It stands in contrast to synergism, which posits that humans play a role alongside God in their own salvation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Monergism is closely associated with Reformed theology and the teachings of John Calvin, who emphasized God's sovereignty in salvation.
2. This doctrine asserts that humans are spiritually dead in sin and unable to respond to God without divine intervention.
3. In monergism, faith itself is considered a gift from God, rather than an act of human will or effort.
4. The concept emphasizes God's glory in the act of saving sinners, highlighting His grace as the sole basis for redemption.
5. Critics of monergism argue that it undermines human responsibility and free will in accepting or rejecting God's grace.

Review Questions

• How does monergism distinguish itself from synergism in the context of salvation?
  • Monergism distinguishes itself from synergism by asserting that salvation is solely the work of God without any input or cooperation from humans. In contrast, synergism posits that human beings have a role to play alongside divine grace. This fundamental difference highlights how monergists believe that individuals cannot contribute to their own salvation, while synergists believe that there is a collaboration between divine influence and human choice.
• Discuss the implications of monergism for understanding grace and redemption in Christian theology.
  • Monergism has significant implications for understanding grace and redemption, as it portrays grace as an unearned gift from God rather than something that can be earned through human effort. This viewpoint underscores the idea that redemption is entirely reliant on God's initiative and action, which leads to a deeper appreciation for His sovereignty. It also emphasizes that faith is a result of God's gracious work in an individual's heart, further illustrating the totality of God's role in salvation.
• Evaluate how the belief in monergism affects discussions about human responsibility and free will within Christian circles.
  • The belief in monergism presents complex discussions regarding human responsibility and free will within Christian circles. Proponents argue that if salvation is entirely God's work, it protects the integrity of divine grace and sovereignty while asserting that humans are incapable of contributing to their own redemption. However, this perspective raises questions about the nature of free will and moral accountability, leading to debates about whether individuals can truly be held responsible for their acceptance or rejection of grace if it is perceived as wholly initiated by God. This tension illustrates ongoing theological dialogues about the interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency.

Related terms

Synergism: The belief that salvation involves cooperation between divine grace and human free will, suggesting that individuals can contribute to their own salvation.

Grace:

Unmerited favor from God toward humanity, enabling salvation and spiritual growth without any works or contributions from the individual.

Predestination: The doctrine that God has eternally chosen certain individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, often associated with monergistic theology.