God's sovereignty and human faith both essential; synergistic soteriology
The NAC affirms Romans 9:18-21 as teaching God's sovereign choice, but understands it synergistically: God's sovereignty does not negate human responsibility or the necessity of faith and sacraments. The passage addresses Israel's corporate election and hardening, not individual predestination to damnation.
The NAC avoids rigid Calvinist determinism while affirming divine sovereignty. Human salvation requires faith, baptism, and Holy Sealing, indicating genuine human participation in redemption.
Key Distinctions
- Divine sovereignty:
- divine choice; corporate election
- Human freedom:
- faith and sacramental participation
- Election type:
- corporate focus
Scripture References
Sources
- NAC Statement of Faith
- Neo-Apostolic Church Official Theology