What is monergism in relation to salvation?

Definition and Etymology

Monergism, from the Greek words “monos” (meaning “single” or “alone”) and “ergon” (meaning “work”), refers to the position that God alone performs the work of salvation in an individual’s life. According to monergism, human effort or cooperation does not contribute to the initial act of being regenerated (made spiritually alive). Salvation is credited solely to divine grace, ensuring that it rests on God’s power, rather than any human merit or endeavor.

Biblical Basis of Monergism

Scripture repeatedly underscores that God is the initiator of salvation. In John 6:44, we read, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” This emphasizes that a person cannot approach God unless God first draws that individual. Similarly, Ephesians 2:8–9 affirms, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” The emphasis on grace as a divine gift highlights monergism: ultimate credit for salvation resides in the work of God alone.

Historical Perspective

Monergism has deep historical roots within Christian theology, beginning with Church Fathers such as Augustine of Hippo, who argued that humanity, enslaved by sin, was incapable of choosing God without prior divine intervention. This teaching survived through the centuries and was reinforced during the Reformation period in the works of key reformers who insisted that salvation is solely by God’s grace.

Core Principles of Monergism

1. Total Inability of Humanity

Humanity’s nature is fallen and spiritually dead. Apart from divine intervention, people cannot respond to spiritual truth in a saving manner. Monergism teaches that no person can initiate the journey toward salvation without God acting first.

2. God’s Sovereign Grace

Salvation hinges on God’s will and power, rather than human cooperation. He opens the heart (cf. Acts 16:14) and bestows saving faith as a gift. As Titus 3:5 states, “He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy.”

3. Irresistible Call

When God determines to save someone, His call effectively brings about spiritual life. Although one experiences personal faith and repentance, these responses arise from the enabling power of God, rather than self-generated effort.

Contrasting Monergism and Synergism

Synergism, from the Greek “syn” (together) and “ergon” (work), teaches that both God and humanity cooperatively accomplish salvation’s beginning. Monergism, by contrast, holds that God unilaterally regenerates the sinner before any cooperative human act occurs. While synergists emphasize free will’s role in choosing salvation, monergists underscore humanity’s incapacity to choose God unaided, insisting instead on divine intervention.

Practical Implications in Christian Life

- Humility and Gratitude: Recognizing that God alone is the source of salvation fosters humility and heartfelt gratitude toward Him.

- Assurance of Salvation: Since salvation originates and is sustained by God, believers have confidence that their standing in Christ is secure. If human effort could fuel or retract salvation, assurance would waver.

- God-Centered Worship: Understanding that God initiates and completes the work of redemption propels a deeper reverence and adoration, as the believer’s spiritual life rests entirely on divine grace.

Addressing Common Questions

1. Does Monergism Diminish Human Responsibility?

Monergism does not suggest that human beings are merely puppets without meaningful action. Instead, it contends that once God grants new life, a person willingly responds in faith and repentance. The ability to believe and follow Christ comes from God’s grace, but believers still carry genuine responsibility to obey and make godly choices.

2. Biblical References to “Choosing God”

Passages that command individuals to come to God or believe in Christ do not negate His sovereign work behind those responses. Rather, these commands highlight that human responses, though genuinely lived out, occur only because God graciously enables faith.

3. Why Emphasize Monergism?

The doctrine preserves the biblical teaching that salvation is ultimately God’s work, removing any ground for human pride. It also instills hope, as it shows that no soul is beyond God’s reach when He decides to convert a heart.

Notable Support from Manuscript and Historical Evidence

While the teaching of monergism primarily comes from the text of Scripture itself, manuscript evidence supporting the reliability of passages pertaining to God’s sovereign grace bolsters trust in these truths. Documents and translations, ranging from the widely referenced Dead Sea Scrolls to later uncial manuscripts, confirm consistent transmission of biblical themes. This evidence provides strong historical footing for confidence in the biblical presentation of God as the initiator and finisher of salvation.

Conclusion

Monergism asserts that God alone brings about regeneration and effectively secures salvation in the believer. This teaching flows naturally from Scriptural passages on divine grace, human inability, and God’s sovereignty. By rooting salvation in the power of God rather than human effort, monergism inspires humble worship, deep gratitude, and steadfast assurance in the One who began the good work and will carry it on to completion.