Originally Posted by Newman
I was under the impression that the belief that man cooperates with the grace of God is not necessarily a heresy. Paul even uses the greek word "synergeo" in 2 Corinthians 6:1. I certainly agree that if one believes that grace is not necessary to persevere, that would be heretical. But I previously had not thought that cooperating with the grace of God so that the reception of His grace would not be in vain was heretical. Do you guys think I was wrong?
1. The view that believes that man "cooperates with God" in anything prior to justification is heresy. In justification the sinner is once for all declared righteous on the basis of the merits of Christ's substitutionary atonement. Even the faith exercised is of God; the result of regeneration. (Eph 2:8,9; Acts 13:48; Titus 1:5)

2. Re: 2Cor 6:1... "synergeo" refers back to 5:20:

2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV) "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

Thus it was the missionary endeavors of the apostles/disciples in the preaching of the Gospel that was "synergistic"; they working with and by the Spirit of Christ in Christ's behalf.

3. Salvation is ALL of grace, "Sola Gratia" (Jonah 2:9; Matt 16:17; Jh 1:12,13; 6:37,44,65; Acts 16:14; Rom 3:22-26; 1Cor 4:7; Phil 1:29; Col 2:12; Jam 1:16-18)

4. Sanctification is "synergistic" in that there is a real effort on the part of the believer to persevere in the faith unto holiness. Yet, the furtherance and guarantee of their sanctification is also due to the inner working of the Holy Spirit and the promise of God. (cf. Isa 43:1-3; Jer 32:40; Matt 18:12-14; Jh 5:24; 10:27-30; Eph 1:4; 2:10; Phil 2:11,12; 1Thess 5:23,24; 2Tim 4:18; Heb 9:12,15; 1Pet 1:3-5; Jude 1,24,25)

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simul iustus et peccator

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