Monergism

In Christian theology, monergism primarily denotes the belief that God alone is the agent of human salvation.

Monergism derives from the Greek monos (sole) and ergon (work) and refers to a single source acting alone.

[1][2] In Christian theology, it primarily denotes the belief that God is the sole agent in human salvation.

[20] In orthodox Calvinism, the classical ordo salutis follows a sequence of effectual calling, then regeneration, and finally faith.

[23][21] A similar modification occurs in Molinist-influenced Calvinist revisions, which likewise reorder the sequence to place faith before regeneration.

[24][25][26] Despite these differences, both orthodox and revised Calvinist perspectives affirm that the steps of salvation are ultimately determined by God.

[34] By 1580, Melanchthon's view had lost prominence, and the Book of Concord (1580) affirmed soteriological monergism in relation to election (to salvation), but explicitly rejected its application to reprobation.

[42] Since all forms of divine monergism (both soteriological and exhaustive) rely on unconditional election, God determines the fate of individuals, whether felicity or reprobation, either directly or indirectly.