Salvation: Monergism vs Synergism

The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches are semi-Pelagian. Salvation in these churches is synergistic—man cooperating with God. Man is saved, in part, through his own efforts. Man, not God, chooses the time of his salvation.

Roman Catholics and Orthodox are Arminian in soteriology. They exalt man’s so-called “free will”, and believe it is essential in salvation. In this view, man uses his free will to choose Christ, even though he is dead spiritually in sin. Often emotional manipulation is used, and an “altar call” is given, where sinners are asked to choose Jesus and come forward.

Biblical soteriology is Calvinistic. In this scheme, salvation is strictly monergistic. Salvation is all God’s work. The only contribution man makes is his sin. God decided who would be predestined to be saved before the foundation of the world.

The natural man is totally depraved and in a state of spiritual death. The Holy Spirit regenerates a sinner, quickening his soul. He is made spiritually alive. He’s a new creation. Only after man is regenerated does God bestow upon him the twin gifts of repentance and faith.

By rejecting justification by faith alone, the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches place themselves outside the gospel. Their sacraments and rituals have no power to save.

When Nicodemus asked Jesus how he could be saved, He replied “Ye must be born again.” This does not refer to baptism. When God regenerates us we are born again.