Faith Is a Gift - Why Scripture Teaches Monergism, Not Synergism

Faith Is a Gift - Why Scripture Teaches Monergism, Not Synergism

Episode 30 — Faith Is a Gift Why Scripture Teaches Monergism, Not Synergism Description Is faith something we produce—or something God gives? In this episode, we examine whether salvation is monergistic (the work of one—God alone) or synergistic (a cooperative effort between God and man). Scripture repeatedly presents faith not as the cause of regeneration, but as its result. We explore key passages that show salvation originates in God’s sovereign grace from beginning to end. Key Themes The meaning of monergism vs. synergism Spiritual death and inability Regeneration preceding faith Faith as a gift, not a human contribution Why salvation leaves no room for boasting Core Scripture References (ESV) Faith Is Not Self-Generated Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Philippians 1:29 “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should believe in him…” 2 Peter 1:1 “To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours…” Spiritual Inability Ephesians 2:1–5 “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins… But God… made us alive together with Christ…” Romans 8:7–8 “The mind that is set on the flesh… does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God… and he is not able to understand them…” Regeneration Precedes Faith John 1:12–13 “…who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 3:5–8 “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Titus 3:5 “He saved us… by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” God’s Sovereign Initiative John 6:37 “All that the Father gives me will come to me…” Acts 13:48 “And as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” Romans 9:16 “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” Key Takeaways Scripture describes sinners as spiritually dead and unable. Regeneration is an act of God, not a cooperative effort. Faith is granted, obtained, and given—not self-produced. Salvation rests entirely on God’s initiative. Monergism protects the glory of God and eliminates boasting. Bottom Line The Bible presents salvation as the work of one—God alone. Faith is real, necessary, and active—but it is the result of God’s regenerating grace, not the cause of it. Scripture consistently teaches monergism, not synergism, so that all glory belongs to God.

Bonus Episode 16: Why I Am Not a Pietist

Bonus Episode 16: Why I Am Not a Pietist In this bonus episode, I explain why I do not identify as a Pietist, despite affirming the importance of prayer, Bible reading, personal devotion, and holiness. While Christians should pursue godliness, our assurance must never be grounded in our feelings, experiences, or spiritual performance. Instead, our confidence rests entirely in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Drawing from Hebrews 12 and Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew 23, we examine the danger of focusing on outward religiosity while losing sight of the gospel. Topics Discussed: • What Pietism is • The difference between piety and Pietism • The danger of excessive introspection • Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew 23 • Assurance rooted in Christ rather than feelings • The relationship between justification and sanctification Key Scriptures: • Matthew 23 • Hebrews 12:2 • Romans 3:20-28 • Philippians 3:8-9 Website: TheClosetCalvinist.com Produced by Calvinist Media Group

Does 1 Timothy 2:4 Refute Election?

Episode 29 — Does 1 Timothy 2:4 Refute Election? Description One of the most frequently cited verses against the doctrine of election is 1 Timothy 2:4, where Paul says God “desires all people to be saved.” Many assume this verse settles the debate and proves that God chooses everyone equally and leaves the final decision to man. In this episode, we examine 1 Timothy 2:4 in its immediate context, its grammatical meaning, and how it fits with the rest of Scripture. Rather than refuting election, this passage actually clarifies the scope of God’s saving purpose and the kinds of people included in it. 1 Timothy 2:3–4 (ESV) “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” * Reading 1 Timothy 2:4 in context, not isolation * The biblical meaning of “all” * God’s revealed will vs. God’s decretive will * Prayer, authority, and the scope of salvation * Harmony between this passage and election texts * 1 Timothy 2:1–2 — Prayer for all kinds of people, including kings and authorities * 1 Timothy 2:3–4 — God’s desire that all be saved * Luke 2:1 — “All the world” registered (not every individual) * John 12:32 — Jesus draws “all people” to himself * Acts 10:34–35 — No partiality among nations * Ephesians 1:11 — God works all things according to his will * Romans 9:18 — God has mercy on whom he wills * Romans 8:30 — Predestined, called, justified * Deuteronomy 29:29 — Secret and revealed things belong to God * Isaiah 46:9–10 — God accomplishes all his purpose * John 6:37–39 — All the Father gives will come to Christ * Context determines meaning—1 Timothy 2 is about who we pray for * “All people” refers to all kinds and classes, not every individual * God’s desire does not imply human sovereignty over salvation * Scripture never pits God’s will against itself * Election and 1 Timothy 2:4 are fully compatible 1 Timothy 2:4 does not refute election—it reinforces the truth that God saves people from every class, rank, and nation, not just one group. When read in context and alongside the whole counsel of God, this passage magnifies God’s sovereign grace rather than diminishing it. Key PassageMain ThemesScripture References (ESV)Immediate Context“All” Does Not Always Mean Every IndividualGod’s Sovereign WillGod’s Will and PurposeKey TakeawaysBottom Line

Bonus Episode 15: Does Titus 2:12 Refute Total Depravity?

Bonus Episode 15: Does Titus 2:12 Refute Total Depravity? Many critics of Calvinism point to Titus 2:12 and claim that if God's grace teaches people to deny ungodliness, then total depravity cannot be true. In this episode, we examine the context of Titus 2 and discover that Paul is not describing the natural ability of fallen sinners but the transforming work of God's saving grace in believers. * Titus 2:11-12 * Romans 3:10-11 * John 6:44 * Ephesians 2:8-10 * Philippians 2:13 * Total depravity does not mean people are as sinful as possible. * Fallen man remains morally responsible but spiritually unable to come to Christ apart from grace. * Titus 2 is addressed to believers and describes sanctification. * God's grace not only saves but also teaches and transforms. * Titus 2:12 supports the effectiveness of God's grace rather than refuting total depravity. "The grace that saves is the grace that teaches, and the grace that teaches is the grace that transforms." The Closet Calvinist Podcast — Reformed Theology, Scripture, and Christian Apologetics from a biblical and confessional perspective. Key ScripturesMain PointsQuotePodcast

Special Episode: Why I Don't Participate in Formal Theological Debates

Special Episode: Why I Don't Participate in Formal Theological Debates Episode Description In this special episode of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, Mike addresses a question that occasionally arises among listeners and fellow believers: Why don't you participate in formal theological debates? This episode is not a criticism of debate or those who are gifted in that area of ministry. Rather, it is a personal reflection on ministry focus, spiritual gifting, and the distinction between teaching and debating. Mike shares why he prefers the format of teaching, apologetics, and biblical exposition over formal public debates, while reaffirming his commitment to defending the doctrines of grace and engaging difficult theological questions. Whether you agree with Calvinism or not, this episode offers insight into the heart and purpose behind The Closet Calvinist Podcast and why its focus remains on Scripture, theology, and thoughtful discussion rather than public debate. * Why some Christians choose not to participate in formal debates * The difference between teaching and debating * Defending the faith without seeking confrontation * The role of apologetics in the Christian life * Why theological convictions should be grounded in Scripture * The importance of humility and gentleness in theological discussions * Personal reflections on ministry, study, and podcasting * Why The Closet Calvinist Podcast focuses on biblical teaching rather than debate 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV) "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." Choosing not to participate in formal debates is not an admission of fear or an inability to defend one's beliefs. Christians are called to use their gifts for the glory of God, and while some are gifted in debate, others are gifted in teaching, discipleship, and biblical exposition. This episode explains why The Closet Calvinist Podcast remains committed to the latter. 🎙 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and other major podcast platforms. 🌐 Visit the website: https://theclosetcalvinist.com [https://theclosetcalvinist.com] 📖 New episodes released regularly exploring Reformed theology, apologetics, and the doctrines of grace from a biblical perspective. Thank you for listening and supporting The Closet Calvinist Podcast. Topics DiscussedKey ScriptureKey TakeawayConnect With The Closet Calvinist