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.

The heretical position of open theism

Open theism is a theological perspective that posits that God does not possess exhaustive foreknowledge of the future choices and actions of free-willed beings. However, from a Christian perspective rooted in Scripture, there are compelling reasons to refute this view and affirm that God is absolutely sovereign and omniscient over all things.

1. God's Omniscience:

Throughout the Bible, we see evidence of God's omniscience, His complete knowledge of all things. Psalm 147:5 declares, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit." This verse emphasizes the limitless knowledge and understanding of God, indicating that He knows all things, including the future.

2. God's Foreknowledge:

Numerous passages in Scripture affirm God's ability to foreknow future events. For instance, Isaiah 46:10 states, "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come." This verse clearly indicates that God has knowledge of future events, even from ancient times.

3. Prophecy and Fulfillment:

The Bible is filled with prophecies that were made in advance and subsequently fulfilled. For example, Isaiah 53 provides a detailed prophecy about the suffering and death of the Messiah, which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. These prophecies demonstrate God's foreknowledge and His ability to bring about His purposes in history.

4. God's Sovereignty:

The sovereignty of God is a consistent theme throughout Scripture. Psalm 103:19 states, "The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." This verse affirms that God's rule extends over all things, including the future. If God lacks exhaustive foreknowledge, His sovereignty would be limited, and His ability to bring about His plans and purposes would be compromised.

5. God's Interactions with Free Will:

Open theism argues that God's knowledge is limited because He allows genuine human free will. However, Scripture affirms that God's sovereignty and human free will coexist. For example, Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, yet Genesis 50:20 reveals that God intended it for good. God's sovereignty encompasses the decisions and actions of free-willed beings, working all things together for His purposes.

6. God's Unchanging Nature:

Malachi 3:6 declares, "I the LORD do not change." God's unchanging nature includes His knowledge. If God's knowledge were limited, it would imply that He is capable of change, which contradicts His unchanging character. God's omniscience and His unchanging nature go hand in hand.

In conclusion, from a Christian perspective, the belief in God's absolute sovereignty and omniscience is grounded in Scripture. God's omniscience, foreknowledge, and sovereign rule over all things are consistently affirmed throughout the Bible. While it is important to engage in respectful dialogue, it is crucial to hold fast to the biblical teachings that affirm God's complete knowledge and absolute sovereignty over all things.