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WHAT IS MONERGISM?
There are two views of how we are justified and sanctified, and the words describing these two views are generally unknown to most Adventists.
Two views defined
Monergism is defined as “the doctrine that the Holy Ghost acts independently of the human will in the work of regeneration” (dictionary.com).
In contrast, synergism is defined thus: “the doctrine that the human will cooperates with the Holy Ghost in the work of regeneration” (dictinary.com). Extreme examples of synergism are Adventism and Catholicism; both say that salvation combines God’s work with man’s obedience to law.
Among monergistic theologians there are differences of opinion about how sanctification is accomplished. While monergists generally agree that justification is entirely an act and a gift of God, some disagree about sanctification. Some say man’s spiritual disciplines contribute to their sanctification. Other theologians say that even sanctification is monergistic—that not only our justification but also our sanctification is the work of God.
We choose monergism
Life Assurance Ministries takes the position, based upon texts such as 1 Corinthians 1:2, 6:11, and Hebrews 2:11, that both justification and sanctification are the works of God. While we are asked to believe and to put off the old man and to put on the new, the faith to believe and the ability and desire to obey are also gifts of God (Eph. 2:8-9; Rom 8:9-11).
We do not create a formula to explain the mystery of God’s sovereign work in us; we have to believe every word of Scripture. We must hold in tension things that we cannot explain, but we know that only God can make a dead heart respond to Him, and only God can put His life into our still-mortal flesh and create His work in us. †
Copyright 2014 Life Assurance Ministries, Inc., Camp Verde, Arizona, USA. All rights reserved. Revised April 28, 2014. Contact email: proclamation@gmail.com
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VOLUME 14, ISSUE 4