What is Synergism & Monergism?

Synergism

Synergism comes from the Greek words (syn + ergon), which means “working together,” or a “combined force.”

Synergism, which is associated with Arminianism and semi-Pelagianism, wrongly teaches that humans are somehow involved in their own salvation. That man cooperates as a co-agent with the Lord to become saved.

Synergism wrongly says man has free will to work together with God in salvation. That man has something to do with their salvation. That man works together with God for salvation. Or that man can merit a good standing with the Lord.

Synergism sinfully teaches that if the lost does something, like walk forward, raise their hand, make a decision, invite Jesus into their heart, repeat a prayer, accept Jesus, choose the Lord for salvation, then they are somehow saved and have faith.

Though in some cases, Arminians and their Synergism might appear to credit God for salvation, they err in claiming they had something to do with it.

Synergism is not only unbiblical, but it is anti-biblical blasphemy and hocus pocus hogwash.

Monergism

The Reformed or Biblical position holds to monergism.

Monergism comes from the Greek word ‘monergos,’ which means “working alone.” It is derived from two Greek words: Mono (one) + ergon (work). Or, one energy, one single force.

Monergism rightfully teaches that salvation (or conversion) is accomplished solely (mono) by the Triunity of the Godhead.

Monergism teaches that salvation comes from God alone, and man has nothing to do with salvation.

Monergism teaches what the Bible teaches. The Father chooses His elect, draws them to His Son for His redemptive work. And His Holy Spirit regenerates the heart. God changes our hearts and gives us new desires in our hearts. Regeneration proceeds faith. See my video on Ordo Salutis for further.

As one scholar said, monergism is a “description of conversion that maintains that the Holy Spirit works conversion and faith in a person without their cooperation. The opposite of synergism.”

I appreciate this definition of Monergism in my Baker Compact Dictionary of Theological Terms.

“In regard to the doctrine of salvation, the Protestant position that God alone saves human beings. From the Greek (monos, “sole”; ergon, “work”), monergism refers to a sole source that works redemption. God is the single agent that operates the salvation of people. By contrast, synergism (Gk. syn, “together”; ergon, “work”) refers to two (or more) sources that work together in salvation. God and human beings together operate the rescue of the latter group. Justification exemplifies monergism: one agent, God, justifies the ungodly (Rom. 4:5), who do not / cannot contribute anything…”

Gregg R. Allison, “Monergism,” in The Baker Compact Dictionary of Theological Terms (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2016), 139.

The following are some of the many Scriptures in support of Monergism, and then I will close with closing remarks.

And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord. – Ezekiel 37:14

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:8-9

So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. – Romans 9:16

For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. – John 6:33

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. – John 6:44

And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. – John 6:65

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, – Ephesians 1:4-5

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; – Titus 3:5

In closing

For an abbreviated review. Synergism sinfully teaches that sinners have something to do with salvation. Monergism (or a monergist) rightfully teaches that they had nothing to do with their salvation, and salvation is 100% the work of the Lord.

For a video of this post, click here or embedded video below.