The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Sanctification monergestic, synergestic or both.

I could just say yes and leave it at that. It definitely is monergestic. To put it simply, sanctification grows out of justification. They are two parts of the same saving grace. However, I want to make sure to underscore that even though the two are inseperable there is a distinct difference between them in function. The primary difference is the progressive nature of sanctification. For example regeneration is a momentary act, bringing a person from spiritual death to life. It is exclusively God’s work. Sanctification is an ongoing process depending on God’s continuing action in the believer, and consisting of the believers continuous struggle against sin. God’s method of sanctification is neither activism (self-reliant activity) nor apathy (God-reliant passivity), but human effort dependent upon God (2 Cor. 7:1; Phil.3:10-14; Heb. 12:14). Knowing that without Christ’s enabling we cannot do good works, but also that He is ready to strengthen us for all we have to do (Phil. 4:13), we “abide” in Christ, asking for His help constantly – and we receive it (Col. 1:11; I Tim. 1:12; 2 Tim. 1:7; 2:1).

Now that may sound a lot like synergism but it’s not. As in my previous reply I’d like to use the term “co-operation” with God rather than “contribute” to our sanctification in any way. God is the One at work in us and we can do nothing apart from Him. God implants desires in us that were not there before. A desire for God, a desire for holiness, and for glorifying God’s name in the world. He gave us a desire to pray, to worship, to love, and serve others. In sanctification, the Holy Spirit works in us “both to will and to do” according to God’s purpose, enabling His people to fulfill their new godly desires. (Phil 2:12,13) Christians become increasingly Christlike, as the moral profile of Jesus (the “fruit of the Spirit”) is progressively formed in them. (2 Cor. 3:18; Gal. 4:19; 5:22-25)

Wes