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NASB | Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, ¶ To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed), by the will of God [that is, by His purpose and choice], To the saints (God's people) who are at Ephesus and are faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus: |
Subject: does God chose who he will save |
Bible Note: At first appearance it would seem that monergism would cancel out synergism, but upon closer look, I personally believe that is not the case. We see it stated in Scripture John 6:44 - No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: This tells me we cannot come to Jesus unless the Father first does something. The something mentioned is drawing us. The word "cannot" shows the impossibility of an individual coming on his own initiative. Therefore this drawing should be classified as monergistic. Next we see in Scripture where the Phillipian jailer asks Paul and Silas; Acts 16:30 Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved The above text refers to our part in appropriating salvation. In order to be saved we must personally and individually believe. And since God doesn't believe for us, but gives us the ability to believe, then our act of believing which comes in command form must be classified as an act that is synergistic in nature. One in which God's previously work of drawing assists us in a response of faith. Therefore my conclusion is that examples of both monergism as well as synergism can be found in Scripture. The one doesn't contradict the other. It's just a matter of at which point in the process of salvation monegism is in action, and at which point in the process synergism kicks in. Well thats how I see it. There are other verses I could have concluded as support, but I think what I have stated is sufficient at this time. |