libterm.com Supralapsarianism is a theological doctrine concerning the order of God's decrees, specifically asserting that God's decision to elect some individuals to salvation and others to reprobation logically precedes the decree to permit the Fall of humankind. This perspective emphasizes God's sovereignty and preeminent authority in predestination, highlighting that election and reprobation are part of a divine plan established before sin entered the world. Explore the rest of the article to understand how Supralapsarianism compares to infralapsarianism and its implications for your theological understanding.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Supralapsarianism | Infralapsarianism |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The theological view that God's decree to elect some to salvation and reprobate others logically precedes the decree to permit the Fall. | The theological view that God's decree to permit the Fall logically precedes the decree to elect some to salvation and reprobate others. |
| Order of Decrees | Election and reprobation precede the Fall. | The Fall precedes election and reprobation. |
| Theological Implication | Emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty in predestination. | Focuses on God's response to human sinfulness. |
| Scriptural Basis | Positions often linked to Romans 9 and Ephesians 1. | Linked to passages emphasizing judgment post-Fall, such as Genesis 3. |
| Criticism | Accused of portraying God as ordaining sin. | Criticized for appearing to limit God's sovereignty. |
| Historical Proponents | John Calvin (controversially), early Reformed theologians. | Franciscus Junius, later Reformed theologians. |
Introduction to Supralapsarianism and Infralapsarianism
Supralapsarianism and Infralapsarianism are two theological doctrines within Calvinism that address the logical order of God's decrees in predestination. Supralapsarianism posits that God's decree to elect some individuals to salvation and others to reprobation logically precedes the decree to permit the Fall of humanity, emphasizing God's sovereign will as the primary cause. In contrast, Infralapsarianism holds that God's decree to permit the Fall comes before the election of some to salvation or condemnation, framing predestination as a response to the fallen human condition.
Historical Context and Development
Supralapsarianism and Infralapsarianism emerged during the Reformation era, reflecting debates within Calvinist theology about the order of God's decrees concerning election and the Fall. Early proponents like Theodore Beza and later theologians such as Johannes Calvin and Francis Turretin contributed to refining these views in the 16th and 17th centuries, influencing Reformed confessions and scholastic treatments of predestination. The distinctions hinge on whether God's decree to elect or reprobate logically precedes (Supralapsarianism) or follows (Infralapsarianism) the decree permitting the Fall of humanity.
Core Definitions and Distinctions
Supralapsarianism posits that God's decree to elect some individuals to salvation and others to reprobation logically precedes the decree to permit the Fall of humanity, emphasizing predestination before sin. Infralapsarianism holds that God's decree to permit the Fall occurs prior to election and reprobation, framing predestination as a response to humanity's sinful condition. The primary distinction lies in the logical order of divine decrees regarding election and the Fall, influencing interpretations of divine justice and sovereignty.
The Order of God’s Decrees: Key Differences
Supralapsarianism posits that God's decree to elect some individuals to salvation and reprobate others logically precedes the decree to permit the Fall, emphasizing God's sovereign choice before humanity's sin. In contrast, Infralapsarianism holds that God's decree to allow the Fall comes before the decree of election and reprobation, framing God's decisions as responses to the fallen condition of humanity. These differing views on the order of God's decrees fundamentally shape theological understandings of divine justice, sovereignty, and human depravity within Reformed theology.
Theological Implications and Doctrinal Impact
Supralapsarianism asserts God's decree of election logically precedes the decree of the Fall, emphasizing divine sovereignty and predestination, which intensifies debates on God's justice and grace. In contrast, Infralapsarianism positions the decree of election after the Fall, portraying God's choice within the context of human sin and emphasizing conditional election based on fallen humanity. These theological distinctions significantly influence doctrinal stances on original sin, divine foreknowledge, and the nature of salvation in Reformed theology.
Key Biblical Passages and Interpretations
Key biblical passages influencing Supralapsarianism and Infralapsarianism include Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:4-5, and Genesis 3, which are interpreted differently regarding God's decree order. Supralapsarianism views election and reprobation as preceding the Fall (Genesis 3), asserting God's sovereign choice before humanity's fall into sin. Infralapsarianism interprets these passages to situate God's election logically after the Fall, emphasizing God's response to human sinfulness in salvation history.
Prominent Theologians and Influential Voices
Prominent theologians such as Theodore Beza and John Calvin are often associated with supralapsarianism, emphasizing God's decree to elect some to salvation before the fall of humanity. Infralapsarianism finds support in thinkers like Augustine of Hippo and later theologians like Jonathan Edwards, who argued that God's election follows the permissive decree of the fall. These distinct perspectives shaped Reformed theology's understanding of divine sovereignty and predestination, influencing debates on God's justice and mercy.
Criticisms and Controversies
Supralapsarianism faces criticism for portraying God's decree to elect some to salvation and others to damnation as preceding the creation and fall of humanity, raising concerns about divine justice and predestination's fairness. Infralapsarianism attempts to address these issues by positing that God's election follows the decree to permit the fall, yet it encounters controversy over whether this genuinely resolves tensions about God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Both views remain debated in Reformed theology for their implications on divine mercy, human free will, and the problem of evil.
Practical Effects on Christian Theology
Supralapsarianism posits that God's decree to elect some individuals for salvation occurred logically prior to the decree to permit the Fall, influencing doctrines of predestination and divine sovereignty by emphasizing God's ultimate control over sin and election. Infralapsarianism, which holds that God's decree to permit the Fall precedes election, softens the perception of divine determinism and underscores human responsibility in the theological framework of salvation. The practical effect on Christian theology involves contrasting views on divine justice, human free will, and the nature of grace, shaping pastoral approaches to assurance and evangelism.
Conclusion: Comparative Summary and Ongoing Relevance
Supralapsarianism posits that God's decree of election logically precedes the decree to permit the fall, emphasizing divine sovereignty in salvation. Infralapsarianism, by contrast, views the decree of election as following God's permission of the fall, highlighting a more conditional approach to predestination. Both doctrines continue to shape contemporary theological debates on divine justice, human free will, and the nature of salvation within Reformed thought.
Supralapsarianism Infographic
