Supralapsarianism meaning

Supralapsarianism definitions

Understanding Supralapsarianism

Supralapsarianism is a theological doctrine within Calvinism that addresses the order of God's decrees regarding salvation. The term "supra" means "above" or "before" in Latin, indicating that this doctrine places God's decree of election above His decree to permit the Fall.

Key Tenets of Supralapsarianism

In supralapsarianism, God's decrees are understood to be logically ordered in the following sequence:

• The decree to elect some individuals to salvation and reprobate others.
• The decree to create those who would be elect and reprobate.
• The decree to permit the Fall, thus allowing sin into the world.
• The decree to provide salvation through Christ for the elect.
• The decree to apply salvation to the elect.

Controversies Surrounding Supralapsarianism

One of the main controversies surrounding supralapsarianism is the question of whether it presents God as the author of sin. Critics argue that this doctrine implies that God predestined some individuals to eternal damnation, which raises moral and theological concerns.

Proponents of supralapsarianism, however, argue that God's decrees are ultimately for His glory and that His sovereign will cannot be questioned by human standards. They believe that God's election and reprobation are part of His divine plan and serve to demonstrate His justice and mercy.

Relationship to Infralapsarianism

Supralapsarianism stands in contrast to infralapsarianism, another Calvinist doctrine that places God's decree to permit the Fall before His decree of election. In infralapsarianism, God's decrees are ordered as follows: the Fall, election, creation, redemption, and application of salvation.

Despite the theological debates and disagreements, supralapsarianism continues to be an influential doctrine within Calvinist circles, shaping beliefs about predestination, divine sovereignty, and the nature of sin and salvation.

Supralapsarianism Examples

1. The theological concept of supralapsarianism asserts that God's decree to save some individuals comes before His decree to permit the fall of man.
2. Scholars have debated the compatibility of supralapsarianism with the doctrine of free will.
3. Proponents of supralapsarianism believe that it provides a more logical framework for understanding predestination.
4. The doctrine of supralapsarianism has been a point of contention within certain branches of Christianity.
5. Critics of supralapsarianism argue that it portrays God as arbitrary and lacking in compassion.
6. Supralapsarianism is often contrasted with the doctrine of infralapsarianism.
7. The debate over supralapsarianism dates back to the Reformation era.
8. Some theologians find the concept of supralapsarianism to be overly speculative.
9. The implications of supralapsarianism extend to issues of justice and mercy.
10. Understanding the nuances of supralapsarianism requires a deep knowledge of theological history.

Most accessed