Brief Answer

Synergism, in relationship to salvation, refers to the belief that human free will cooperates with God’s grace in the process of salvation. It contrasts with monergism, which teaches that God alone is the active agent in salvation. Synergism maintains that while salvation is initiated and made possible entirely by God’s grace, individuals must freely respond in faith and obedience. This concept is often discussed in theological debates about how divine sovereignty and human responsibility interact in salvation.

Understanding Synergism from a Biblical Perspective

Synergism comes from the Greek word synergos, meaning “working together.” In the context of salvation, it suggests that God’s grace and human response work together:

• God’s role: Salvation begins and is made possible solely by God’s grace through the work of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). No one can save themselves or earn salvation (Titus 3:5).
• Human role: God’s grace requires a response. Faith, repentance, and obedience are human acts that, while empowered by God, involve human will (Philippians 2:12-13).

Synergism emphasizes that while humans do not initiate salvation, their willing participation is necessary.

Key verses that highlight synergism:

• Revelation 3:20: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” This implies a cooperation between God’s call and human response.
• 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 in order to fulfill his good purpose.” God empowers believers, but they must actively respond.

Historical Context

The concept of synergism has been a topic of theological discussion for centuries:

1. Early Church Fathers: Many early theologians, like Clement of Alexandria and Irenaeus, highlighted the cooperation between divine grace and human free will.
2. Pelagian Controversy: Pelagius argued that human effort alone could achieve righteousness, which was condemned as heresy. Augustine countered by emphasizing God’s grace as essential but did not entirely deny human responsibility.
3. Arminianism and Calvinism: This debate re-emerged during the Reformation:
   • Arminianism (synergistic): Emphasized human free will and cooperation with God’s grace.
   • Calvinism (monergistic): Taught that God’s sovereign grace alone determines salvation, with no contribution from human will.

Synergism is most closely associated with traditions like Wesleyan-Arminianism, which emphasize God’s universal grace and the need for human response.

Practical Implications

How does synergism shape our understanding of salvation?

1. Encourages personal responsibility:
   • Faith and repentance are not passive but active responses to God’s grace (Acts 2:38).
   • Believers are called to persevere in faith and obedience (Hebrews 12:1-2).
2. Highlights God’s invitation:
   • God’s grace is freely given to all, but it requires acceptance (John 3:16).
   • This understanding affirms God’s love and desire for all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4).
3. Motivates evangelism and discipleship:
   • Since human response matters, sharing the gospel becomes a vital part of God’s plan (Romans 10:14-15).
   • Discipleship encourages believers to grow in faith and live out their salvation (James 2:17).

Theological Depth and Insight

Synergism affirms the balance between:

1. God’s sovereignty: Salvation originates with God, who draws people to Himself through grace (John 6:44).
2. Human free will: People have the ability to respond to or reject God’s grace (Joshua 24:15).

Biblical examples of synergism:

• The Exodus: God delivered Israel by His power, yet they were required to obey His commands (Exodus 12:28-36).
• Paul’s ministry: Paul emphasized God’s grace in his calling yet actively labored in response to that grace (1 Corinthians 15:10).

These examples show how God’s work and human response often go hand in hand.

Broader Biblical Themes

Synergism reflects several key biblical themes:

• Covenant relationship: Throughout Scripture, God initiates covenants, but human obedience and faithfulness are required (Genesis 17:1-2; Deuteronomy 30:19-20).
• God’s grace: Salvation is always rooted in God’s grace, not human merit (Ephesians 2:8-9).
• Human responsibility: Faith and works demonstrate a believer’s response to God’s grace (James 2:26).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling the cooperation of God’s grace and human response:

• Conviction: The Spirit convicts of sin, drawing individuals to repentance (John 16:8).
• Empowerment: The Spirit enables believers to live in obedience and grow in holiness (Galatians 5:22-23).
• Assurance: The Spirit assures believers of their salvation, motivating them to persevere in faith (Romans 8:16).

Through the Spirit, synergism becomes possible, as He bridges divine grace and human response.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

Synergism offers practical and spiritual encouragement for believers:

• Encouragement to act: Christians are called to actively respond to God’s grace through faith, repentance, and service (2 Peter 1:5-7).
• Confidence in God’s work: Believers can trust that God empowers their efforts and works through them (Philippians 1:6).
• Hope for all: Synergism affirms that salvation is available to everyone, emphasizing the need to share the gospel with others.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

Jesus Christ exemplifies the synergy of divine grace and human response:

• His invitation: Jesus invites all to come to Him for salvation (Matthew 11:28-30).
• His atonement: Jesus’ death on the cross makes salvation possible for all who believe (John 3:16).
• Our response: Believers are called to trust in Him, take up their cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23).

Synergism reminds us that while salvation is initiated and sustained by God, our faith response reflects His love working in us.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the concept of synergism help you understand the balance between God’s grace and human responsibility?
2. What role does your faith and obedience play in responding to God’s invitation to salvation?
3. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower your response to God’s grace?
4. How does this understanding motivate you to share the gospel with others?

Synergism beautifully illustrates the partnership between God’s sovereign grace and our willing response. As we walk in faith, we experience the joy of God’s love and the transformative power of His grace.