When you advance the discussion to the theologies involved, and not the individuals, the terms become vitally important. Synergism, as a theological system, does teach that man cooperates with God in salvation. I have been excoriated on this board for having the temerity to suggest that Synergistic theology falls into one of two systems, Semi-Pelaganism or Arminianism. The two systems are kissing cousins. The easiest way to point out the difference between Semi-Pelagianism and Arminianism is to look at their view of sin. Semi-Pelagianism rejects original sin. The fall of Adam is not binding upon all mankind as far as guilt from sin. Each man is born as a tabula rasa, a blank slate. According to Semi-Pelagianism, man can live a life without sin and therefore merit salvation apart from Christ. This is true according to Semi-Pelagianism in the abstract. In reality even the most ardent Semi-Pelagians, like Cassian, believed all men sinned, although he still denied original sin. Arminianism teaches that Adam's sin did result in The Fall, but only that man has a propensity to sin. Like Semi-Pelagianism, Arminianism denies original sin. Instead of all men being guilty of sin, all men have received a sin nature. But this sin nature does not result in being guilty of sin. It is only a disposition towards sin. Prevenient grace allows man to resist this disposition and not sin. Even if a person does sin prevenient grace allows them to seek God's forgiveness without any work of the Spirit (regeneration) first having to take place. If more Synergists were honest (such as yourself) they would not bristle at the terms, even if they do not represent 100% of what they believe. Calvinism does not represent 100% of what Mongergistic Baptists believe, but it is accurate when describing soteriological beliefs.
The Leaven of Synergism
Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Earth Wind and Fire, Sep 21, 2013.
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IF Jesus came a natural birth, either he was a sinner, or else all of us are born innocent , and become sinners and away from God ONLY when we choose to be, so there would be some like Jesus who chose not to ever sin, so could be saved by their own works!
NOT a biblical position! -
He had no sin nature residing within Him, are we all without that also? -
NONE can be justified by keeping the Law, for even if they did it perfectly, STILL have sin debt owed to God for being found in Adam! -
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Where it is said in Hebrews 12:4 that ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Isn't that stating what Jesus did in the garden the night of the day he died?
Was he striving against being obedient unto death even the death of the cross?
That is why I say the word teaches Jesus was the Son of God, the Christ come in the flesh by the water and by the blood.
You will find the phrase Son of God 47 times, You will not find God the Son once.
The living speaking God, and God was the Word, sent forth his Son born of woman, born under the law.
And yes I believe Jesus to be God, self emptied of glory in a Son born of woman.
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