Lutherans and synergism/monergism?

[JohnKnox87]

Hello fellow protestants, I haven't met many Lutherans and only have a very superficial grasp on what you believe but would like to know more. I always thought Lutheranism was monergistic but from what I've been reading on the internet it seems a lot of Lutherans are synergistic. I would be interested on clarification on this topic. Also what is the Lutheran position on the Effectual Call?

Thanks in advance

 

[seajoy]

If they are Lutheran, they should all be monergistic. If not, something whacky is going on out there.

 

[DaRev]

Don't confuse synergism with Sanctification. Two different things.

As to the effectual call (irresistible grace), Lutherans maintain the Scriptural teaching that man can indeed resist God's grace (Matthew 23:37; Acts 7:51; 2 Corinthians 6:1). The Bible even warns not to resist God's grace (2 Corinthians 6:1; Hebrews 4:7).

 

[JohnKnox87]

Don't confuse synergism with Sanctification. Two different things.

As to the effectual call (irresistible grace), Lutherans maintain the Scriptural teaching that man can indeed resist God's grace (Matthew 23:37; Acts 7:51; 2 Corinthians 6:1). The Bible even warns not to resist God's grace (2 Corinthians 6:1; Hebrews 4:7).

Thanks for your reply. I think this is part of the problem in my trying to understand Lutherans. You say you're monergistic and yet do not believe in the effectual call. I can't understand that .

 

[DaRev]

Man in no way cooperates with his salvation. Our salvation is completely the work of God on our behalf. Spiritual birth and regeneration is totally a work of God (monergism). We play no part in that. The good works that we do are prompted by the Holy Spirit and follow conversion. We do them, not to be saved (synergism), but because we are saved. We have already been justified by the blood of Christ. Man is passive in this.

But man can also reject this gift of God and resist the work of the Holy Spirit. We are not robots. Our damnation is totally our own doing. It's like physical birth in that we personally play no part in that, it is done to us and for us (passive). But we do have the ability to end our physical life (active). Our spiritual existance is similar.

 

[JohnKnox87]

Man in no way cooperates with his salvation. Our salvation is completely the work of God on our behalf. Spiritual birth and regeneration is totally a work of God (monergism). We play no part in that. The good works that we do are prompted by the Holy Spirit and follow conversion. We do them, not to be saved (synergism), but because we are saved. We have already been justified by the blood of Christ. Man is passive in this.

But man can also reject this gift of God and resist the work of the Holy Spirit. We are not robots. Our damnation is totally our own doing. It's like physical birth in that we personally play no part in that, it is done to us and for us (passive). But we do have the ability to end our physical life (active). Our spiritual existance is similar.

Thanks again for your reply, there's still some things I'm not quite understanding though - I don't think we're fully understanding each other. Let's talk, first of all, about the elect of God. What I mean by the phrase "effectual call" is that if God chooses to save His elect, they will be saved. When God calls His elect, they will come to Him by the power of the call. This is in contrast to the universal call (or resistable grace) which is resisted by Man. Judging from your post you seem to agree with this?

Also your last point said that we have the ability to end our spiritual life. If the elect of God can choose to leave their salvation then surely that's synergistic - because God's final salvation of you ultimately rests on your decision whether or not to continue in the faith?

 

[AngCath]

In case you are a visual learner and enjoy charts as much as I do, this may help: View attachment chart.bmp

 

[DaRev]

Thanks again for your reply, there's still some things I'm not quite understanding though - I don't think we're fully understanding each other. Let's talk, first of all, about the elect of God. What I mean by the phrase "effectual call" is that if God chooses to save His elect, they will be saved. When God calls His elect, they will come to Him by the power of the call. This is in contrast to the universal call (or resistable grace) which is resisted by Man. Judging from your post you seem to agree with this?

There are those who have been predestined to salvation. This does not mean, however, that the rest are predestined to damnation. This contradicts Scripture.

Also your last point said that we have the ability to end our spiritual life. If the elect of God can choose to leave their salvation then surely that's synergistic - because God's final salvation of you ultimately rests on your decision whether or not to continue in the faith?

No, because the decision to continue in the faith is not our decision but God's. It is by the Holy Spirit that anyone believes. They will either acknowledge it (passive) or reject it (active). The only "choice" we have is to reject. That's not synergism because we in no way cooperate in our justification. It is entirely God's work.

 

[JohnKnox87]

There are those who have been predestined to salvation. This does not mean, however, that the rest are predestined to damnation. This contradicts Scripture.



No, because the decision to continue in the faith is not our decision but God's. It is by the Holy Spirit that anyone believes. They will either acknowledge it (passive) or reject it (active). The only "choice" we have is to reject. That's not synergism because we in no way cooperate in our justification. It is entirely God's work.

Ah, ok thanks. I think I'm beginning to understand where you're coming from. I just found your language and terminology confusing. Thanks again for your help.

Thanks Dunstan for the chart. Having to rush off for work now but I'll look at it later.