Supralapsarianism

From Pocket Dictionary of the Reformed Tradition:

“supralapsarianism. The doctrine (from Latin, supra, “above” or “before than,” and lapsus, “fall”) that God shows his glory through dispensing his grace and justice in time by ordaining some persons to be recipients of grace and passing over others.

In distinction from infralapsarianism, election and reprobation are not occasioned by the fall, but are—in the mind of God—logically prior to the fall. Supralapsarianism rests on the premise that God’s decree has priority, and the means to carry out that decree logically follow.”

From Gemini AI query: What is Supralapsarianism?”

“Supralapsarianism is a theological concept within Reformed theology that deals with the order of God's decrees, particularly concerning salvation and the fall of humanity. The term itself comes from Latin, with "supra" meaning "above" or "before" and "lapsus" meaning "fall."

Here's the gist of supralapsarianism:

• Before Creation: God first decreed the election of some for salvation (the elect) and the reprobation of others (those not chosen).
• Following Election: God then decreed the creation of the world, including both the elect and the reprobate.
• Permitting the Fall: God, in his sovereignty, then allowed the fall of humanity into sin.
• Providing Salvation: Finally, God decreed to provide salvation through Jesus Christ specifically for the elect.

Key Points:

• Supralapsarianism emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty in salvation.
• It suggests God predetermined some for salvation before even creating them.

Comparison:

Supralapsarianism contrasts with infralapsarianism, another view in Reformed theology:

• Infralapsarianism: This view places God's decree to create the world and permit the fall before the decrees of election and reprobation. So, God knew humanity would fall, then chose the elect for salvation in light of that knowledge“