What is supralapsarianism?

Supralapsarianism is a theological term implying a logical order of God's decrees exists, and that that God decreed the elect and reprobates before the fall. The term is Latin and literally means "above the fall":

• Supra - above

• Lapsus - fallen

This term is highly abstract and most Christians are not expected to encounter it. Despite this, they may hold a view of this order based on their understanding of predestination. The alternative to supralapsarianism is infralapsarianism.

Although not popular outside of Catholicism, another belief exists named Molinism.

Merits of Supralapsarianism

Supralapsarianism works best with a view of God that is sovereign and powerful, unrestricted by any constraints. Although most Calvinists would probably argue for infralapsarianism, it is actually supralapsarianism that best resonates with John Calvin's view of unconditional election.

Weakness of Supralapsarianismm

Supralapsarianism is most criticised for making God become unjust. By decreeing that some men would be created and damned eternally, prior to having decreed them to sin and fall, means that God judged them while they were still innocent.

This view of predestination was supported by Theodore Beza and Fransiscus Gomarus, both whom condemned Jacobus Arminius for disagreeing.

What do I believe?

It is my belief that God decreed humanity, permit the fall, predestined the elect and reprobates based on his foreknowledge of those whom would respond with faith to his grace. Faith is neither meritorious nor a work: God alone is glorified for the salvation of all mankind.