Monergism vs. Synergism

Dr. James White and Dr. Michael Brown: Monergism vs. Synergism

This debate between Dr. James White and Dr. Michael Brown took place several years ago. Since then, these two brothers in Christ have developed a deep friendship and mutual respect. They have partnered together in other debates and discussions and, by all accounts, may collaborate on additional projects in the future.

In fairness to Dr. Brown, he has expressed discomfort with the theological labels monergism and synergism, believing that they can be overly simplistic for a subject that stretches finite minds. Nevertheless, these are the terms Dr. White used in titling the debates, and they remain a helpful shorthand for the discussion that follows.

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Part 1: Monergism vs. Synergism on The Dividing Line (March 25, 2010)

James White opened this two-part discussion with Dr. Michael Brown, framing it as the classic Calvinist/Arminian debate, though preferring the terms monergism and synergism.

During this fast-paced, ninety-minute exchange, the participants examined passages selected by Dr. White, including John 6, Romans 8–9, and Ephesians 1. There is very little downtime as both men engage the biblical text in a spirited yet respectful manner.

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Part 2: Monergism vs. Synergism on The Dividing Line (April 1, 2010)

In the second installment, the discussion becomes more pointed while remaining well within the bounds of Christian charity. Dr. Brown and Dr. White continue to examine the foundations upon which believers interpret and understand Scripture.

This time, Dr. Brown selected the passages for discussion, including Luke 13:34–35, Matthew 23:37, Ezekiel 18, and 2 Peter 2:1.

Whether one agrees more closely with Dr. White or Dr. Brown, these debates provide an excellent example of two thoughtful Christians wrestling seriously with the text of Scripture while maintaining respect and fellowship.

Prophecies Jesus Fulfilled

The odds of one person fulfilling only a mere 8 of the messianic prophecies are 1 in 10 to the 17th power (1 in 1017). The odds then of Jesus or any one person fulfilling only 48 prophecies would be 1 in 10 to the 157th power (1 in 10157). The fact that over 330 were fulfilled by Jesus is beyond the realm of possibility without divine intervention. Here is a list of only 60.

Fulfilled Bible Prophecy Pertaining to Christ

Concerning his birth	Prophesied	Fulfilled
1. Born of the seed of woman	Gen 3:15	Gal 4:4
2. Born of a virgin	Isa 7:14	Mt 1:18-25
3. Seed of Abraham	Gen 22:18	Mt 1:1
4. Seed of Isaac	Gen 21:12	Lk 3:23+34
5. Seed of Jacob	Num 24:17	Lk 3:34
6. Seed of David	Jer 23:5	Lk 3:31
7. Tribe of Judah	Gen 49:10	Rev 5:5
8. Family line of Jesse	Isa 11:1	Lk 3:32
9. Born in Bethlehem	Mic 5:2	Mt 2:1-6
10. Herod kills the children	Jer 31:15	Mt 2:16-18
Concerning his nature	Prophesied	Fulfilled
11. He pre-existed creation	Mic 5:2	1 Pet 1:20
12. He shall be called Lord	Ps 110:1	Acts 2:36
13. Called Immanuel (God with us)	Isa 7:14	Mt 1:22-23
14. Prophet	Deut 18:18-19	Acts 3:18-25
15. Priest	Ps 110:4	Heb 5:5-6
16. Judge	Isa 33:22	Jn 5:22-23
17. King	Ps 2:6	Jn 18:33-37
18. Anointed by the Spirit	Isa 11:2	Mt 3:16-17
19. His zeal for God	Ps 69:9	Jn 2:15-17
Concerning his ministry	Prophesied	Fulfilled
20. Preceded by a messenger	Isa 40:3	Mt 3:1-3
21. To begin in Galilee	Isa 9:1-2	Mt 4:12-17
22. Ministry of Miracles	Isa 35:5-6	Mt 9:35;11:4
23. Teacher of parables	Ps 78:1-4	Mt 13:34-35
24. He was to enter the temple	Mal 3:1	Mt 21:10-12
25. Enter Jerusalem on donkey	Zech 9:9	Mt 21:1-7
26. Stone of stumbling to Jews	Isa 28:16; Ps 118:22	1 Pet 2:6-8
27. Light to Gentiles	Isa 49:6	Acts 13:46-48
Concerning his Crucifixion	Prophesied	Fulfilled
28. Betrayed by a friend	Ps 41:9	Jn 13:18-27
29. Sold for 30 pieces of silver	Zech 11:12	Mt 26:14-15
30. 30 pieces thrown in Temple	Zech 11:13	Mt 27:3-5
31. 30 pieces buys potters field	Zech 11:13	Mt 27:6-10
32. Forsaken by His disciples	Zech 13:7	Mk 14:27+50
33. Accused by false witnesses	Ps 35:11+20-21	Mt 26:59-61
34. Silent before accusers	Isa 53:7	Mt 27:12-14
35. Wounded and bruised	Isa 53:4-6	1 Pet 2:21-25
36. Beaten and spit upon	Isa 50:6	Mt 26:67-68
37. Mocked	Ps 22:6-8	Mt 27:27-31
38. Fell under the cross	Ps 109:24-25	Jn 19:17; Lk23:26
39. Hands and feet pierced	Ps 22:16	Jn 20:24-28
40. Crucified with thieves	Isa 53:12	Mt 27:38
41. Prayed for enemies	Isa 53:12	Lk 23:34
42. Rejected by His own people	Isa 53:3	Jn 19:14-15
43. Hated without cause	Ps 69:4	Jn 15:25
44. Friends stood aloof	Ps 38:11	Lk22:54;23:49
45. People wag their heads	Ps 22:7;109:25	Mt 27:39
46. People stared at Him	Ps 22:17	Lk 23:35
47. Cloths divided and gambled for	Ps 22:18	Jn 19:23-24
48. Became very thirsty	Ps 22:15	Jn 19:28
49. Gall and vinegar offered Him	Ps 69:21	Mt 27:34
50. His forsaken cry	Ps 22:1	Mt 27:46
51. Committed Himself to God	Ps 31:5	Lk 23:46
52. Bones not broken	Ps 34:20	Jn 19:32-36
53. Heart broken	Ps 69:20;22:14	Jn 19:34
54. His side pierced	Zech 12:10	Jn 19:34+37
55. Darkness over the land	Amos 8:9	Lk 23:44-45
56. Buried in rich man's tomb	Isa 53:9	Mt 27:57-60
Concerning his Resurrection	Prophesied	Fulfilled
57. Raised from the dead	Ps 16:8-11	Acts 2:24-31
58. Begotten as Son of God	Ps 2:7	Acts 13:32-35
59. Ascended to God	Ps 68:18	Eph 2:8-10
60. Seated beside God	Ps 110:1	Heb 1:3+13