Infralapsarianism is a theological position within the broader context of Reformed theology that concerns the logical order of God’s decrees in relation to the fall of humanity and the plan of salvation. The term “infralapsarianism” comes from the Latin words infra (“after”) and lapsus (“fall”), indicating that this view posits that God’s decree to permit the fall of humanity occurred before His decree to elect some individuals for salvation. Infralapsarianism contrasts with supralapsarianism, which suggests that God’s decree of election logically preceded the decree to permit the fall.

Biblical Foundations

Scriptural Considerations for the Order of God’s Decrees

Infralapsarianism, like other views on God’s decrees, is derived from careful reflection on Scripture. Although the Bible does not explicitly detail the order of God’s decrees, various passages inform the theological debate.

• Election and Salvation: The doctrine of election is foundational to Reformed theology and is based on passages that speak of God choosing individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world.
  • Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV):
    

    “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

    This passage emphasizes God’s sovereign choice in salvation, which forms the basis for the infralapsarian understanding of election.

• The Fall of Humanity: The fall of Adam and Eve, as recorded in Genesis, is central to the discussion of infralapsarianism. The fall brought sin and death into the world, making the need for redemption through Christ necessary.
  • Genesis 3:6-7 (NIV):
    

    “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.”

    The infralapsarian position considers this event as logically prior to God’s decree to elect some individuals for salvation.

• God’s Sovereignty in Salvation: Scripture frequently emphasizes God’s sovereignty in the process of salvation, highlighting that salvation is ultimately God’s work, according to His will and purpose.
  • Romans 8:29-30 (NIV):
    

    “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”

    This passage outlines a sequence in the process of salvation, which can be seen as compatible with the infralapsarian view.

Theological Significance and Historical Development

Infralapsarianism vs. Supralapsarianism

Infralapsarianism is often discussed in contrast to supralapsarianism, which proposes a different logical order of God’s decrees. The primary distinction between these two views lies in their understanding of whether God’s decree to elect individuals for salvation logically precedes or follows His decree to permit the fall.

• Supralapsarianism: In this view, the decree to elect some individuals to salvation and others to reprobation logically precedes the decree to permit the fall. Supralapsarians argue that God’s ultimate purpose is the manifestation of His glory through election and reprobation, with the fall serving as a means to this end.
  • Ephesians 1:11 (NIV):
    

    “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”

    Supralapsarians emphasize that God’s purpose in election is central to His plan.

• Infralapsarianism: Infralapsarians hold that God’s decree to permit the fall logically precedes the decree to elect individuals for salvation. In this view, the fall creates the context in which God’s mercy and justice are displayed through the election of some and the passing over of others.
  • Romans 9:22-23 (NIV):
    

    “What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory?”

    Infralapsarians often cite passages like this to argue that God’s mercy is displayed in response to the reality of sin.

Key Figures and Theological Debates

The debate between infralapsarianism and supralapsarianism has been a significant issue within Reformed theology, with various theologians contributing to the discussion.

• John Calvin (1509-1564): While Calvin himself did not explicitly align with either infralapsarianism or supralapsarianism, his writings have been interpreted in support of both views. Calvin emphasized God’s sovereignty in salvation and the mysterious nature of His decrees.
  • Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion: “God’s eternal decree, by which he compacted with himself what he willed to become of each man, was not established merely before the fall of the first man, but also before the creation of the world.”

    Calvin’s focus on God’s sovereignty has been foundational for later Reformed thought on the order of decrees.

• The Synod of Dort (1618-1619): The Synod of Dort, convened to address the Arminian controversy, did not definitively settle the debate between infralapsarianism and supralapsarianism but affirmed key Reformed doctrines, including unconditional election and reprobation.
  • Canons of Dort: The Canons of Dort focus on God’s sovereign election and the certainty of salvation for the elect, without explicitly endorsing either infralapsarianism or supralapsarianism.
• Franciscus Gomarus (1563-1641): A Dutch Reformed theologian, Gomarus was a strong advocate of supralapsarianism and was involved in the debates at the Synod of Dort. He argued that God’s decree of election and reprobation logically preceded the decree to permit the fall.
  • Gomarus’ Writings: Gomarus defended the supralapsarian view, emphasizing God’s glory as the ultimate purpose of election.
• William Ames (1576-1633): An influential Puritan theologian, Ames leaned towards infralapsarianism, emphasizing the pastoral implications of God’s decrees and the assurance of salvation for the elect.
  • Ames’ Medulla Theologica: Ames’ work provided a systematic approach to theology, reflecting an infralapsarian perspective on the order of decrees.

Impact on Reformed Theology

The debate between infralapsarianism and supralapsarianism has influenced various aspects of Reformed theology, including views on predestination, the nature of God’s decrees, and the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility.

• Predestination: Both infralapsarianism and supralapsarianism affirm the doctrine of predestination, but they differ in their understanding of the logical order of God’s decrees. Infralapsarianism tends to emphasize God’s mercy in the context of a fallen world, while supralapsarianism emphasizes God’s sovereign choice as primary.
  • Romans 8:29-30 (NIV):
    

    “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”

    This passage supports the Reformed understanding of predestination, which is central to both views.

• The Nature of God’s Decrees: Infralapsarianism reflects a more sequential understanding of God’s decrees, where the fall is seen as a necessary context for the display of God’s mercy and justice.
  • Ephesians 1:4-6 (NIV):
    

    “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”

    This passage highlights the overarching purpose of God’s decrees in bringing about His glory and the salvation of His people.

• Pastoral Implications: Infralapsarianism often emphasizes the assurance of salvation for the elect and the pastoral importance of understanding God’s mercy in the context of a fallen world.
  • Romans 5:8-9 (NIV):
    

    “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!”

    The focus on God’s mercy and love for sinners is central to the pastoral implications of infralapsarianism.

Broader Theological Implications

The Problem of Evil

The infralapsarian view addresses the problem of evil by positing that God’s decree to permit the fall was logically prior to His decree of election. This suggests that the existence of evil is part of God’s broader plan to display His justice and mercy.

• Genesis 50:20 (NIV):
  

  “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

  This passage reflects the infralapsarian perspective that God can bring about good from evil, using it to fulfill His purposes.

The Nature of God’s Sovereignty

Infralapsarianism upholds the sovereignty of God in salvation, affirming that all aspects of redemption, including the fall and election, are under God’s control and are part of His eternal plan.

• Isaiah 46:10 (NIV):
  

  “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”

  This verse highlights God’s absolute sovereignty, which is central to the infralapsarian understanding of His decrees.

Assurance of Salvation

Infralapsarianism emphasizes that God’s decree of election is motivated by His mercy in the context of a fallen world. This perspective can provide believers with assurance of salvation, knowing that God’s choice is rooted in His grace and not contingent on human merit.

• John 10:27-28 (NIV):
  

  “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

  The assurance of salvation is a key pastoral concern in infralapsarian thought, offering comfort to believers.

Legacy and Influence in Christian Doctrine

Infralapsarianism has played a significant role in shaping Reformed theology, particularly in discussions of predestination, the nature of God’s decrees, and the relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While the debate between infralapsarianism and supralapsarianism continues, both views have contributed to a deeper understanding of God’s work in salvation.

Conservative Reflection on Infralapsarianism

From a conservative theological perspective, infralapsarianism is often seen as a balanced approach to understanding God’s decrees. It affirms God’s sovereignty while also emphasizing His mercy in the context of a fallen world. Conservatives who hold to this view stress the importance of adhering to biblical teaching on predestination and election, while also maintaining a pastoral focus on the assurance of salvation for the elect.

Final Thoughts on God’s Love and Jesus

The doctrine of infralapsarianism ultimately points to the profound love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ. In this view, God’s plan of salvation is seen as a response to the fall, where His mercy and grace are extended to sinners through the atoning work of Christ. Infralapsarianism emphasizes that God’s love is at the heart of His decrees, offering hope and assurance to all who are in Christ.

• Romans 8:38-39 (NIV):
  

  “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This passage encapsulates the security and assurance that comes from understanding God’s decrees through the lens of His love and mercy. Infralapsarianism, by placing the fall before the decree of election, highlights the depth of God’s love in choosing to save sinners through the work of Jesus Christ.