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Synergist or a Monergist?
by Rev. George Pryor First a definition of terms. Synergist: Synergist believe that faith precedes and gives rise to regeneration (the new birth) . Monergist: Monergist believe that regeneration (the new birth) precedes and brings forth faith in Christ in those whom the Holy Spirit sovereignty determines to dispense His grace upon Synergists believe that all unsaved persons receive an equal amount of "grace" before God. This is based on the passage in (Rom.12:3)KJV that says "God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Those who cooperate with this grace are saved and those who don't are lost. Man cooperates with God in regeneration. Saving Faith is produced by our unregenerated human nature. The fallen sinner has the ability and potential inclination to believe even prior to the new birth. While synergist believe grace plays a role in salvation yet they do not believe salvation comes solely by grace through faith Alone. It is grace plus your response which makes you to be born again. This is a part of Arminianism Monergist believe that When the gospel is preached in the power of the Holy Spirit it has the power to open blind eyes and unstop deaf ears. Those dead in sin, therefore, play no part in their own new birth and are just as passive as a new born physical baby in the regenerative act. Man does not cooperate in his regeneration but rather, infallibly responds in faith as the Holy Spirit changes the hearts' disposition. Faith is not something produced by your unregenerated human nature. The fallen sinner has no moral ability or inclination to believe prior to the new birth. Instead, the Holy Spirit must open one's ears to the preaching of the gospel in order for one to hear. While there is no temporal sequence, regeneration gives rise to all other aspects of our salvation. They all happen simultaneously like the turning on of the light, which is the cause of faith, justification, sanctification, new affections, and the like. You have been predestined to do this. This is a part of Calvinism. Both beliefs have some basis in The Bible and the adherents on each side can produce plenty Scripture for their support. I ask again; Are you a Synergist or a Monergist? NOTE: You are either a synergist or a monergist. There is no middle ground here. You can be divided on Calvinism and Arminianism as a whole but on these specific issues there is no middle ground Jesus said that no man can come unto Him unless the Father draws him. Scripture also says it is granted to us to believe. Cf. ( Jn. 6:44 & Phil.1:29). Rev. George Pryor Th.M. Pastor Emeritus. [email protected] Retired disable pastor Masters Degree in Theology. Love writingshort articles and books Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |