SYNERGISM

SYNERGISM – (from Gr. syn: same, together; ergos: energy, work) Working together, the act of cooperation. In referring to the New Testament, synergism is the idea of being “workers together with” God ^{(2 Cor. 6:1)}, or of working “out your own salvation . . . for it is God who works in you” ^{(Phil. 2:12, 13).} This is not a cooperation between “equals,” but finite man working together with Almighty God. Nor does synergism suggest working for, or earning, salvation. God offers salvation by His grace, and man’s ability to cooperate also is a grace. Therefore, man responds to salvation through cooperation with God’s grace in living faith, righteous works, and rejection of evil ^{(James 2:14-26).} See also FREE WILL and PASSIONS.