A surgical instrument that includes a first jaw and a second jaw that are movable between a closed position and an open position. An axially movable closure member is supported relative to the jaws to apply closing and opening motions thereto. A closure actuator operably interfaces with the closure member and is movable from an unactuated position corresponding to the open position in a closure direction during a closure procedure. A first control system is configured to apply an opening control motion to the closure actuator to return the closure actuator to the unactuated position upon completion of the closure procedure. A second control system is configured to apply a variable closure force to the closure member as the closure actuator is moved in the closure direction.
