Predestination

Definition

Predestination is the theological doctrine that asserts God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned, independent of any actions or decisions made by individuals. This belief is central to many branches of Protestant Christianity, particularly among the Puritans, who viewed it as a reflection of God's omniscience and sovereignty. The concept often leads to discussions about free will, grace, and the nature of faith.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Predestination is closely associated with John Calvin and his teachings, which emphasized God's absolute sovereignty in the salvation process.
2. Puritan writings often reflect themes of predestination, portraying it as both a comfort and a source of anxiety for believers concerned about their salvation status.
3. The doctrine led to the idea of 'signs of election,' where Puritans would look for evidence in their lives to confirm they were among the elect.
4. Predestination shaped Puritan societal norms, influencing their approach to morality, community life, and governance as they sought to live in accordance with God's will.
5. The debate over predestination versus free will was a significant theological conflict during the Reformation and continues to impact Christian thought today.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of predestination influence individual behavior and community standards among Puritans?
  • Predestination significantly influenced Puritan behavior by creating a sense of urgency and moral responsibility. Believers often engaged in introspection to identify signs of their election and demonstrate a life aligned with godly principles. This led to strict moral codes within Puritan communities as they sought to live righteously, believing that their actions were reflections of their predetermined status as the elect.
• In what ways did the doctrine of predestination contribute to theological debates during the Reformation?
  • The doctrine of predestination sparked significant theological debates during the Reformation, particularly between followers of Calvinism and Arminianism. While Calvinists argued for the absolute sovereignty of God in determining salvation, Arminians emphasized human free will in accepting or rejecting divine grace. These differing views on predestination not only shaped individual beliefs but also influenced broader ecclesiastical structures and practices within Protestantism.
• Evaluate the implications of predestination on the relationship between faith and works in Puritan theology and how it compares to other Christian beliefs.
  • Predestination in Puritan theology underscores a complex relationship between faith and works, suggesting that while good works are a natural outcome of genuine faith, they do not contribute to salvation. Unlike other Christian beliefs that may emphasize the necessity of works for salvation, Puritans viewed works as evidence of being among the elect rather than a means to earn favor with God. This perspective led to an intense focus on living a pious life as a reflection of one’s predetermined salvation status, illustrating a distinctive feature within Protestant thought.

Related terms

Elect: Those individuals chosen by God for salvation, believed to be predetermined before birth.

Total Depravity: The belief that as a result of the Fall, every person is enslaved to sin and incapable of choosing God without divine intervention.

Grace: The unmerited favor of God towards humanity, often viewed as essential for salvation within the context of predestination.