Philippians 2:12–13: The Verse That Explodes Calvinist ‘Monergism’

The Calvinist Claim: Salvation Is All God’s Work

Calvinism teaches a doctrine called monergism, which means that salvation is entirely the work of God, with no human contribution. One prominent Calvinist thinker, R.C. Sproul, sums it up clearly: “Man lacks moral ability to desire God without divine intervention” (The Holiness of God, p. 61). In this view, humans are so spiritually dead that they can’t even want God unless He first regenerates them. It’s a one-sided process—God does 100% of the work, and we’re just along for the ride.

Sproul illustrates this with an analogy about ice cream (Chosen by God, p. 58–59). He says that while we might choose between chocolate and vanilla, our choice is determined by what we already crave. For Calvinists, this proves that even our “free” choices are shaped by a nature God controls. Applied to salvation, monergism says God changes our hearts first, and only then do we turn to Him—leaving no room for human effort or response.

This idea is rooted in Calvinism’s famous “TULIP” framework, especially Total Depravity (we’re too sinful to seek God) and Irresistible Grace (God’s call can’t be rejected). It’s a tidy system, but does it hold up when we open the Bible?

The Explosive Truth of Philippians 2:12–13

Let’s look at the verse that throws a wrench into monergism: Philippians 2:12–13. Paul writes, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (ESV).

At first glance, this might seem confusing. Paul tells us to “work out” our salvation—but then says it’s God who “works in” us. Calvinists might point to the second part and say, “See? It’s all God!” But the little word “for” (in Greek, gar) changes everything. It’s a conjunction that connects the two ideas: we work because God works. This isn’t God doing it all while we sit back. It’s a partnership—God empowers us, and we respond with action.

Breaking It Down

• “Work out your own salvation”: Paul commands believers to actively pursue their salvation. The Greek verb here, katergazomai, means to produce or bring about something through effort. This isn’t just passive acceptance—it’s a call to do something real.
• “With fear and trembling”: This phrase shows the seriousness of our role. If salvation were automatic, why the urgency? Paul wants us to take it seriously, not assume God’s got it covered.
• “For it is God who works in you”: Here’s the key. God is the one enabling us—giving us the desire (to will) and the ability (to work). But He doesn’t override us; He works in us as we work out.

This is synergism, not monergism. Synergism doesn’t mean we save ourselves—it means God and humans cooperate. God provides the power, but we have to use it. Think of it like a parent teaching a child to ride a bike: the parent holds the bike steady, but the child still has to pedal.

Why Monergism Falls Apart

Calvinism’s monergism sounds appealing—who wouldn’t want God to handle everything? But Philippians 2:12–13 exposes its flaws. Let’s dismantle it step by step.

1. The Bible Commands Human Action

If salvation is 100% God’s work, why does Paul tell us to “work out” anything? Calvinists might say this just means living out what God has already done. But that dodges the text. Paul isn’t talking about optional good deeds—he ties this work to salvation itself, with a tone of urgency. Elsewhere, Scripture reinforces this:

• James 2:17: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
• Galatians 6:7–8: “Whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”

These verses don’t fit a system where humans contribute nothing. Monergism has to twist them into metaphors or secondary effects, but the plain reading demands real human responsibility.

2. Sproul’s Ice Cream Analogy Misses the Mark

Sproul’s ice cream example—where choices reflect a God-given nature—sounds clever, but it collapses under scrutiny. If my craving for chocolate is determined, that’s one thing. But salvation isn’t about picking a flavor; it’s about responding to a call. Philippians shows God giving us the ability to choose Him, not forcing the choice. The analogy also ignores free will entirely—Scripture never treats us like puppets who can’t say no.

3. “For” Links Effort and Enablement

That little word gar (“for”) is a dagger to monergism. It’s not God working instead of us—it’s God working so that we can work. Calvinists might argue this still proves God’s sovereignty, since He initiates. Fair enough—synergism agrees God starts the process. But monergism claims He finishes it alone, and Paul disagrees. We’re not passive; we’re active partners.

Common Calvinist Defenses—and Why They Fail

Calvinists won’t give up easily. Here’s how they might push back, and why their counters don’t hold.

• Defense 1: “Humans are too sinful to contribute.”
• Response: Total Depravity is half-true—we can’t save ourselves without God. But Philippians 2:13 says God works in us to overcome that. He doesn’t bypass us; He enables us. Monergism exaggerates depravity into paralysis, ignoring God’s empowering grace.
• Defense 2: “This is about sanctification, not salvation.”
• Response: Nice try, but the text says “work out your own salvation,” not “your holiness.” Salvation here includes the whole process—starting with faith and continuing in obedience. Paul doesn’t split hairs like theologians do; he’s talking about the big picture.
• Defense 3: “God’s work ensures the outcome, so it’s still monergism.”
• Response: God’s sovereignty doesn’t cancel human responsibility. Yes, He guarantees the plan—but He chooses to involve us. Think of Noah’s ark: God saved Noah, but Noah still had to build the boat.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

So, why care about this debate? It’s not just theological nitpicking—it shapes how we live our faith.

• Monergism’s Risk: We might get lazy if God does it all. Why pray, evangelize, or fight sin if the outcome’s locked in? Calvinism says God inspires effort anyway, but that feels like a workaround for a system that downplays our role.
• Synergism’s Call: Philippians 2:12–13 challenges us to act. God’s grace isn’t a free pass—it’s a power we wield with “fear and trembling.” It respects our dignity as beings made in God’s image, capable of real choices.

The implications ripple out. Monergism can lead to fatalism—everything’s predestined, so just wait for God to move. Synergism fuels action—God’s working, so get to work! It’s not about earning salvation; it’s about living it.

Conclusion: A Closed TULIP Opens to Light

Calvinism’s monergism, with its closed-off TULIP logic, claims God does 100% of the work. But Paul explodes that in Philippians 2:12–13. “Work out your salvation… for it is God who works in you” isn’t a contradiction—it’s a collaboration. God empowers; we respond. Sproul’s deterministic cravings don’t survive this text. The Bible calls us to an alive, active faith, and partnered with a gracious God.

Let’s ditch the idea that we’re just pawns in a divine chess game. We’re players, enabled by God to move toward Him. That’s not pride—it’s trust in the One who works in us for His good pleasure.