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Saturday, September 30, 2023

Supralapsarianism and Infralapsarianism what are the two theological positions?

 Supralapsarianism and Infralapsarianism are two theological positions within Reformed theology that pertain to the logical order of God's decrees and the relationship between election and the fall of humanity. The main difference between these two positions lies in the sequence and purpose of God's decrees.


Supralapsarianism:

1. Sequence of God's decrees: In supralapsarianism, God's decrees are understood to follow a logical order that begins with the decree of predestination/election. It is believed that God first decreed who would be saved (the elect) and who would be damned (the reprobate). Subsequently, God decreed the fall of humanity, the provision of salvation through Jesus Christ, and the damnation of the reprobate.

2. Emphasis on God's sovereignty: Supralapsarianism emphasizes God's sovereignty and the display of His glory in His divine decrees. It asserts that God's primary purpose is to demonstrate His sovereignty and power through the elect and the reprobate, with the fall and redemption of humanity serving as means to accomplish this purpose.

Infralapsarianism:

1. Sequence of God's decrees: In infralapsarianism, God's decrees are understood to follow a logical order that begins with the decree of creation. God first decreed the creation of humanity, then decreed the fall into sin, and subsequently decreed the provision of salvation for fallen humanity through Jesus Christ. Finally, God decreed the election of some individuals to salvation and the passing over of others (reprobation).

2. Emphasis on God's mercy and grace: Infralapsarianism places emphasis on God's mercy and grace in providing salvation to fallen humanity. It emphasizes human responsibility and views God's election as being based on His foreknowledge of who would freely choose to believe in Him. The primary purpose of God's decrees in this view is seen as the display of His mercy and grace through the redemption of fallen humanity.

In conclusion, the main difference between supralapsarianism and infralapsarianism lies in the sequence of God's decrees and the emphasis placed on God's sovereignty versus His mercy and grace. Supralapsarianism places the decree of election before the fall, emphasizing God's sovereignty, while infralapsarianism places the decree of election after the fall, emphasizing God's mercy and grace in providing salvation. within Reformed theology that pertain to the logical order of God's decrees and the relationship between election and the fall of humanity. The main difference between these two positions lies in the sequence and purpose of God's decrees.


Supralapsarianism:

1. Sequence of God's decrees: In supralapsarianism, God's decrees are understood to follow a logical order that begins with the decree of predestination/election. It is believed that God first decreed who would be saved (the elect) and who would be damned (the reprobate). Subsequently, God decreed the fall of humanity, the provision of salvation through Jesus Christ, and the damnation of the reprobate.

2. Emphasis on God's sovereignty: Supralapsarianism emphasizes God's sovereignty and the display of His glory in His divine decrees. It asserts that God's primary purpose is to demonstrate His sovereignty and power through the elect and the reprobate, with the fall and redemption of humanity serving as means to accomplish this purpose.

Infralapsarianism:

1. Sequence of God's decrees: In infralapsarianism, God's decrees are understood to follow a logical order that begins with the decree of creation. God first decreed the creation of humanity, then decreed the fall into sin, and subsequently decreed the provision of salvation for fallen humanity through Jesus Christ. Finally, God decreed the election of some individuals to salvation and the passing over of others (reprobation).

2. Emphasis on God's mercy and grace: Infralapsarianism places emphasis on God's mercy and grace in providing salvation to fallen humanity. It emphasizes human responsibility and views God's election as being based on His foreknowledge of who would freely choose to believe in Him. The primary purpose of God's decrees in this view is seen as the display of His mercy and grace through the redemption of fallen humanity.

In conclusion, the main difference between supralapsarianism and infralapsarianism lies in the sequence of God's decrees and the emphasis placed on God's sovereignty versus His mercy and grace. Supralapsarianism places the decree of election before the fall, emphasizing God's sovereignty, while infralapsarianism places the decree of election after the fall, emphasizing God's mercy and grace in providing salvation.

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