MONERGISM: Theology. the doctrine that the Holy Ghost acts independently of the human will in the work of regeneration.
SYNERGISM: Theology. the doctrine that the human will cooperates with the Holy Ghost in the work of regeneration.
Today I was contemplating the implications surrounding the theology of monergism. In response to my message post on facebook, my friend Derek replied that he leaned towards the doctrine of synergism. I thought it might be interesting to ask others what they thought. If you would like to voice an opinion feel free to post a comment. I am curious what you think.
One Measure of Greatness
12 hours ago
From my personal experience I believe regeneration occurs both ways. In a case of grave illness, monergistic rejuvenation may be the only means possible. Only when we actively seek the Holy Spirit can synergistic regeneration happen. What do you believe?
ReplyDeleteMy view is that it is God who regenerates us. If we are saved by our faith in Christ then regeneration is an inevitable and necessary result. I don't believe that this regeneration is dependent on our willful participation. I do however believe that when we intentionally pursue God we can facilitate the regenetative or sanctifying process.
ReplyDeleteAll right; here it goes...
ReplyDeleteMy belief toward synergism is based upon the Biblical principle that God made man "in HIS image." I believe that one of the core aspects of being created in His image is that He created all human beings with the capacity to LOVE. The very idea of love necessitates the ability of a person to have the free moral agency to choose whether to love or not. As advanced as they may ever become, computers have no ability to "love" because everything they do is programmed. In other words, love cannot be forced...the very essence of love requires the freedom of choice to do so or not.
As I understand it, monergism is defined as "God through the Holy Spirit working to effectually bring about the salvation of individuals through spiritual regeneration without cooperation from the individual." While synergism has a similar definition except that there must be cooperation from the individual. I define that "cooperation" as the ability of an individual to either accept or reject the salvation that God offers.
I still absolutely believe that salvation & grace come from God alone. He is the One that calls us, regenerates us, transforms us, and empowers us by the Holy Spirit. But as people created in His image with the capacity to choose to love or not, we have the ability to either accept or reject God's call, regeneration, transformation, and power.
Would love to hear your thoughts...
Your brother in Christ,
Derek