libterm.com Sublapsarianism is a theological doctrine addressing the order of God's decrees concerning salvation and the Fall of Man, positing that God allows the Fall before electing some to salvation. This view contrasts with other perspectives like supralapsarianism and infralapsarianism, offering a nuanced understanding of divine justice and mercy. Explore the rest of the article to deepen your grasp of this complex theological concept.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Sublapsarianism | Supralapsarianism |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Doctrine stating God's decree to elect and reprobate occurs after the Fall. | Doctrine stating God's decree to elect and reprobate occurs before the Fall. |
| Theological Focus | Emphasizes God's mercy and justice post-Fall. | Emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and predestination prior to creation. |
| Order of Decrees | Fall - Election/Reprobation - Creation. | Election/Reprobation - Creation - Fall. |
| Key Proponents | Reformed theologians like Joshua Casaubon. | Reformed theologians like Theodore Beza and John Calvin (often associated). |
| Theological Implication | God permits the Fall and then decides election. | God ordains election and reprobation as part of the eternal plan. |
Introduction to Sublapsarianism and Supralapsarianism
Sublapsarianism and Supralapsarianism are theological frameworks within Reformed doctrine that interpret the order of God's decrees regarding election and the fall of humanity. Sublapsarianism posits that God's decree to permit the fall precedes His decision to elect some individuals to salvation, emphasizing human sin as the context for predestination. Supralapsarianism, in contrast, asserts that God's election of some and reprobation of others logically precedes the decree to allow the fall, highlighting divine sovereignty in salvation history.
Historical Background and Origins
Sublapsarianism and Supralapsarianism originated during the Reformation as theological doctrines addressing the order of God's decrees concerning predestination and the Fall of Man. Supralapsarianism asserts God's decree to elect some to salvation and others to damnation prior to the creation and fall, while Sublapsarianism places the decree of election after the Fall, emphasizing God's response to human sin. These doctrines were rigorously debated by Reformed theologians like Theodore Beza and early Calvinists, influencing later Protestant confessions and systematic theology.
Defining Sublapsarianism
Sublapsarianism defines the order of God's decrees by positing that the Divine decision to permit the Fall of humanity precedes the decree of election and reprobation. This theological viewpoint asserts that God's primary decree includes allowing the original sin before determining salvation or condemnation, emphasizing a divine plan accommodating human free will and the necessity of Christ's redemption. Compared to Supralapsarianism, which places election and reprobation before the Fall, Sublapsarianism presents a more moderate framework on predestination within Reformed theology.
Defining Supralapsarianism
Supralapsarianism defines the divine decree as logically prior to the Fall, asserting that God predestined election and reprobation before the creation of humanity and the original sin. This theological stance positions God's sovereign will as the ultimate cause of both salvation and condemnation, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty in the order of decrees. It contrasts with Sublapsarianism, which places the decree of the Fall before election and reprobation, highlighting a different sequence in divine intention.
Key Theological Differences
Sublapsarianism and Supralapsarianism differ primarily in their ordering of God's decrees concerning election and the Fall. Supralapsarianism posits that God's decree to elect some to salvation and others to reprobation logically precedes the decree to permit the Fall, emphasizing God's sovereignty in predestination. Sublapsarianism holds that God's decree to allow the Fall comes before the decree of election, highlighting God's response to human sin and maintaining an order that reflects divine justice and mercy.
Scriptural Foundations and Interpretations
Sublapsarianism interprets God's decree of election as occurring after the Fall, emphasizing passages like Romans 8:29-30 that suggest a chronological order in God's salvific plan. Supralapsarianism posits that God's decision to elect or reprobate individuals logically precedes the Fall, drawing on texts such as Ephesians 1:4 to support the doctrine of unconditional election. Scriptural analysis reveals that Sublapsarianism aligns more closely with the narrative of human responsibility and divine mercy, while Supralapsarianism highlights divine sovereignty and predestination.
Major Proponents and Influences
Sublapsarianism finds major proponents in theologians like John Calvin and Moses Amyraut, emphasizing God's decree to permit the fall before election, influencing Reformed theology by underscoring divine mercy. Supralapsarianism, championed by figures such as Theodore Beza and the early Calvinists, asserts God's decree of election and reprobation logically precedes the fall, shaping doctrinal discussions on predestination and divine sovereignty. Both views significantly impacted Protestant scholasticism and contemporary debates on the nature of God's will and human destiny.
Implications for Predestination and Salvation
Sublapsarianism teaches that God's decree to permit the Fall precedes the election of some individuals to salvation, emphasizing human responsibility in sin and God's mercy in electing sinners. Supralapsarianism posits that God's decree to elect or reprobate individuals logically precedes the Fall, underscoring divine sovereignty and predestination as unconditional aspects of salvation. These views shape theological understandings of predestination by influencing perspectives on God's justice, grace, and the interplay between divine will and human free will.
Contemporary Debates and Perspectives
Contemporary debates between Sublapsarianism and Supralapsarianism center on the order and purpose of divine decrees regarding election and the fall of humanity, influencing theological interpretations of God's justice and mercy. Supralapsarianism posits that God's decree to elect some individuals occurred logically prior to the decree to permit the fall, emphasizing God's sovereignty, while Sublapsarianism argues the fall was decreed before election, highlighting human responsibility and divine grace. Recent scholarship explores how these positions impact modern doctrines of predestination, free will, and the nature of divine foreknowledge, fostering ongoing dialogue in Reformed and Calvinist theological circles.
Conclusion and Summary of Key Points
Sublapsarianism positions God's decree of election and reprobation as occurring after the decree of the Fall, emphasizing a logical order where God's judgment responds to human sin. Supralapsarianism asserts that God's decree of election and reprobation logically precedes the Fall, highlighting divine sovereignty in predestination without contingent human action. The core distinction lies in the logical sequence of God's decrees, shaping theological perspectives on divine justice and human responsibility.
Sublapsarianism Infographic
