sublapsarianism

Sublapsarianism is a theological view within Calvinism concerning the order of God's decrees, particularly in relation to salvation and predestination. It posits that God, in His eternal plan, first decreed to permit the fall of humanity into sin, and then subsequently decreed to elect some individuals for salvation through Jesus Christ. This order contrasts with supralapsarianism, which holds that God’s decree to elect some for salvation preceded His decree to permit the fall.

In the sublapsarian view, God’s decree of election is a response to His foreknowledge of humanity’s fallen state. God elects certain individuals to salvation, not because He decreed their fall specifically for that purpose, but because He foreknew they would fall and then chose to save them. The decree to provide the means of salvation, namely the atonement of Christ, is then understood to follow the decree of election.

The core of sublapsarianism is that the decree to save is logically prior to the decree to elect, and both are logically subsequent to the decree to permit the fall. This perspective emphasizes God's mercy in saving sinners, as salvation is seen as an act of grace extended to those who would otherwise be justly condemned. It is a complex theological position that has been debated extensively within Reformed traditions.