Infralapsarianism

Infralapsarianism is a theological perspective within Calvinism concerning the timing and relationship of God's decrees of election and reprobation in relation to the fall of humanity. The term "infra" means "after" and "lapsus" means "fall," so infralapsarianism posits that God decreed election and reprobation after He foresaw the fall of humanity. In this view, God first decreed to permit the fall of Adam and Eve, and then subsequently chose some individuals from the fallen race to salvation (election) and passed over others, leaving them to the just punishment of their sins (reprobation). This order of decrees contrasts with supralapsarianism, which places the decree of election and reprobation before the decree to permit the fall. Infralapsarianism emphasizes God's justice in dealing with humanity as fallen creatures, seeing His election as a sovereign act of mercy towards those justly condemned by sin. It is a viewpoint held by many Reformed theologians and denominations throughout history.