Within all of the varieties of Protestant theology there are two central systems of thought regarding the doctrine of salvation–it is entirely of God (monergism), or it is a cooperative effort by God and man (synergism). Both systems of theology are named after men–John Calvin’s teaching reflects the monergistic view, and Jacobus Arminius’ teaching represents the synergistic view. Moreover, it must be noted that both men would probably be very uncomfortable with having their names attached to these two systems of thought–Calvinism and Arminianism. Nevertheless, their names are useful handles for identifying the differing views that each system claims. But what exactly are the differences?
J. I. Packer ably explains the differences in the quote below:
“Now, here are two coherent interpretations of the biblical gospel, which stand in evident opposition to each other. The difference between them is not primarily one of emphasis, but of content. One proclaims a God who saves; the other speaks of a God who enables man to save himself. One view presents the three great acts of the Holy Trinity for the recovering of lost mankind—election by the Father, redemption by the Son, calling by the Spirit—as directed towards the same persons, and as securing their salvation infallibly. The other view gives each act a different reference (the objects of redemption being all mankind, of calling, all who hear the gospel, and of election, those hearers who respond), and denies that any man’s salvation is secured by any of them. The two theologies thus conceive the plan of salvation in quite different terms. One makes salvation depend on the work of God, the other on a work of man; one regards faith as part of God’s gift of salvation, the other as man’s own contribution to salvation; one gives all the glory of saving sinners to God, the other divides the praise between God, who, so to speak, built the machinery of salvation, and man, who by believing operated it. Plainly, these differences are important, and the permanent value of the five points, as a summary of Calvinism, is that they make clear the areas in which, and the extent to which, the two conceptions are at variance.”
J. I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life, 128-129
These are not inconsequential matters, or just abstruse theological technicalities. Which system you adhere to gets at the very essence of the Gospel and how you lead your life as a Christian. J. I. Packer explains, “One proclaims a God who saves; the other speaks of a God who enables man to save himself.” If it is God who does the saving–then that leads to a deep and abiding sense of security and an expression of gratitude. If it is man who does the saving–then that leads to a temporal and irregular sense of security and an expression of uncertainty.
As for myself, I am totally committed to preaching and teaching the view that God does the saving. Why? Because it is the clear message of the Bible. He elects in eternity (John 15:16; Acts 13:48; Rom. 9:16; Eph. 1:3-5). He calls and convicts the sinner (John 6:44; John 10:1-5, 27-29). He regenerates the unbeliever and gives him the gift of faith to believe and trust in Christ (John 3:3, 5; Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7). He justifies, adopts, redeems, and reconciles the new believer so that he begins to manifest a new manner of life (Rom. 3:24-26; Rom. 5:1; Rom. 8:1-2, 14-17; 2 Cor. 5:17-21). And, He progressively sanctifies the believer throughout the remainder of his life (John 17:17; 1 Cor. 6:11; 1 Thess. 4:3). In short, God gets the all glory in the matter of salvation–Soli Deo Gloria!
— Dr. Marcus J. Serven
Here is a short list of some of J. I. Packer’s most insightful books:
- Packer, James I. A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1990.
- Packer, James I. Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.
- Packer, James I. Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1961.
- Packer, James I. Growing in Christ. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Publishers, 2007.
- Packer, James I. Knowing God. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973.
