Predestination
Definition
Predestination is a doctrine in theology concerning human destiny. In Calvinist thought, it means that God has already chosen who will be saved ("the elect") and who will not be long before individuals make any choices themselves.
Analogy
Imagine you're watching a movie where you already know how it ends because you've seen spoilers online - that's predestination! You're just watching events unfold even though you know what’s going to happen at the end.
Related terms
Free Will: This is often contrasted with predestination; it's the belief that humans have control over their actions and decisions, rather than everything being predetermined by God.
Grace: In Christian theology, grace is the free and unmerited favor of God. It's like getting a gift you didn't earn or deserve - in Calvinism, this gift is salvation.
Salvation: The act of being saved from sin and its consequences. It's like being rescued from a sinking ship (sin) by a lifeboat (God's grace).
"Predestination" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (6)
- Which reformer is associated with the idea of predestination and the establishment of Calvinism?
- Which religious reformer emphasized predestination as a core belief?
- Which Protestant reformer was known for his doctrine of predestination?
- Who was a key figure during this period who advocated for predestination?
- Who pioneered predestination, a significant belief during the Protestant Reformation?
- What resulted from John Calvin’s doctrine on predestination during The Age of Reformation?
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