Lapsarianism is a theological framework within Reformed theology that deals with the logical order of God’s decrees related to creation, the fall (lapsus), and the plan of salvation. It specifically concerns how God’s eternal decrees relate to the events of the fall of humanity into sin and the subsequent salvation offered through Christ. The term “lapsarianism” comes from the Latin word lapsus, meaning “fall.” Within this framework, theologians discuss different views on how God’s decrees are logically ordered, especially in relation to predestination.

The main lapsarian views include Supralapsarianism, Infralapsarianism, and Sublapsarianism. These views differ on when, in the logical order of God’s decrees, the decision to allow the fall and to elect some to salvation occurs.

Historical Development of Lapsarianism

Background in Reformed Theology

Lapsarianism is deeply rooted in the discussions of predestination that arose within Reformed theology, particularly during the Protestant Reformation.

• John Calvin (1509-1564): While Calvin himself did not explicitly systematize the lapsarian views, his teachings on predestination laid the groundwork for later debates. Calvin emphasized God’s sovereignty and the doctrine of election, affirming that God predestines some to salvation and others to reprobation.
  • Romans 9:15-16: “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” This passage reflects the Reformed emphasis on God’s sovereignty in election.
• The Synod of Dort (1618-1619): This Reformed council was significant in addressing the Arminian controversy and affirming the doctrines of predestination and election, which are closely related to lapsarian discussions.
  • Canons of Dort: The Canons of Dort, produced by the synod, articulated the Reformed understanding of predestination, which laid the foundation for later discussions on lapsarianism.

Supralapsarianism

Supralapsarianism (also known as Antelapsarianism) holds that God’s decree to elect some to salvation and others to reprobation logically precedes His decree to allow the fall of humanity.

• Order of Decrees: The logical order of decrees in Supralapsarianism is often outlined as follows:
  1. God’s decree to glorify Himself through the election of some to salvation and the reprobation of others.
  2. God’s decree to create the world.
  3. God’s decree to permit the fall.
  4. God’s decree to provide salvation for the elect through Christ.
  • Ephesians 1:4-5: “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.” Supralapsarians often point to this passage to argue that God’s decree of election logically comes before the fall.
• Theological Implications: Supralapsarianism emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His ultimate purpose in glorifying Himself through both election and reprobation. Critics, however, argue that it can make God appear arbitrary or harsh in His dealings with humanity.

Infralapsarianism

Infralapsarianism (also known as Postlapsarianism) asserts that God’s decree to elect some to salvation comes logically after His decree to allow the fall.

• Order of Decrees: The logical order of decrees in Infralapsarianism is often outlined as follows:
  1. God’s decree to create the world.
  2. God’s decree to permit the fall.
  3. God’s decree to elect some to salvation and to pass over others (reprobation).
  4. God’s decree to provide salvation for the elect through Christ.
  • Romans 8:29-30: “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.” Infralapsarians often argue that this passage suggests God’s election is based on His foreknowledge of the fall.
• Theological Implications: Infralapsarianism is seen by some as a more balanced view, as it portrays God’s decree to save the elect as a response to the fallen condition of humanity. It maintains God’s sovereignty while emphasizing His mercy in providing salvation.

Sublapsarianism

Sublapsarianism is often considered a variation or a mediating position between Supralapsarianism and Infralapsarianism, though it is closely related to the Infralapsarian view. It emphasizes the order of God’s decrees in a slightly different way, typically focusing on the provision of salvation through Christ.

• Order of Decrees: The logical order of decrees in Sublapsarianism is often outlined as follows:
  1. God’s decree to create the world.
  2. God’s decree to permit the fall.
  3. God’s decree to provide salvation through Christ.
  4. God’s decree to elect some to salvation based on foreknowledge.
  • 1 Peter 1:2: “Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” Sublapsarians may reference this passage to argue for an order where Christ’s atoning work is central to God’s redemptive plan.
• Theological Implications: Sublapsarianism attempts to emphasize God’s provision of salvation through Christ before the decree of election, highlighting God’s desire to save and His provision for humanity’s fallen state.

Historical and Theological Context

Lapsarianism became a significant topic of debate among Reformed theologians in the 16th and 17th centuries, especially in the context of predestination and God’s sovereignty. These discussions were not merely academic but were tied to the pastoral and doctrinal concerns of the time, particularly regarding the assurance of salvation and the nature of God’s justice.

• Debates and Confessions: The lapsarian views were debated among theologians such as Theodore Beza, who leaned toward Supralapsarianism, and more moderate Infralapsarians. These debates were reflected in Reformed confessions and theological writings, though no single view became universally accepted within Reformed circles.
• Pastoral Concerns: The lapsarian debates were not just about abstract theology; they had practical implications for how Christians understood God’s character, their assurance of salvation, and their response to the gospel.
  • 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” This verse is often cited in discussions about God’s desire for salvation and how it relates to His decrees.

Theological Emphases of Lapsarianism

God’s Sovereignty and Predestination

Lapsarianism, in all its forms, emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty in the process of salvation, affirming that God’s decrees are eternal and are not dependent on human actions.

• Eternal Decrees: Lapsarianism asserts that God’s decrees are eternal and immutable, reflecting His perfect will and purpose in creation and redemption.
  • Isaiah 46:9-10: “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 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 passage highlights God’s sovereignty and His ability to accomplish His purposes.

The Order of God’s Decrees

The core of the lapsarian debate is about the logical order of God’s decrees, particularly concerning creation, the fall, and election. This order is not about the chronological sequence of events but rather the logical priority in God’s eternal plan.

• Logical Order vs. Chronological Order: Lapsarianism deals with the logical relationship between God’s decrees, not with the temporal order in which events happen. It seeks to understand how God’s eternal purposes relate to one another.
  • Romans 9:20-21: “But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? ‘Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?”‘ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?” This passage is often cited in discussions of God’s sovereign right to order His decrees according to His will.

The Relationship Between God’s Justice and Mercy

Lapsarianism also touches on how God’s justice and mercy are understood in the context of predestination. It raises questions about how God’s decrees of election and reprobation reflect His just and merciful character.

• God’s Justice: Lapsarianism upholds that God’s decrees are just, even if they are beyond human comprehension. The view taken on lapsarianism can influence how one perceives the relationship between God’s justice and His predestination of individuals.
  • Romans 9:14: “What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all!” This verse is central to the lapsarian discussion, as it addresses concerns about the fairness of God’s decrees.
• God’s Mercy: Lapsarianism also emphasizes God’s mercy in electing some to salvation, seeing it as a demonstration of His grace and love.
  • Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This passage underscores that salvation is a result of God’s grace, a key theme in lapsarian theology.

Practical Implications of Lapsarianism in Christian Life

Assurance of Salvation

One of the key concerns in lapsarianism is how it affects the believer’s assurance of salvation. Understanding the order of God’s decrees can shape how Christians perceive their election and security in Christ.

• Confidence in God’s Sovereignty: Lapsarianism can provide believers with a sense of security, knowing that their salvation is part of God’s eternal plan and not dependent on their own efforts.
  • John 10:28-29: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” This passage offers assurance that God’s decrees are unchangeable and that the elect are secure in His hands.

Understanding God’s Character

Lapsarianism invites Christians to reflect on the nature of God’s justice, mercy, and love. It challenges believers to trust in God’s wisdom, even when His decrees are difficult to comprehend.

• Trusting in God’s Wisdom: Lapsarianism teaches that God’s ways are higher than human ways, encouraging believers to trust in His perfect wisdom and plan.
  • Isaiah 55:8-9: “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” This passage reassures believers that God’s plans are beyond human understanding.

Living in Light of God’s Sovereignty

Lapsarianism calls Christians to live with an awareness of God’s sovereignty, recognizing that every aspect of their lives is under His control and part of His eternal plan.

• Submitting to God’s Will: Understanding God’s decrees encourages believers to submit to His will, trusting that He is working all things for His glory and their good.
  • Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse emphasizes the believer’s confidence in God’s sovereign plan.

Conclusion

From a Christian worldview, Lapsarianism is a theological framework within Reformed theology that seeks to understand the logical order of God’s decrees, particularly concerning creation, the fall, and predestination. It addresses key questions about God’s sovereignty, justice, and mercy, and how these attributes are reflected in His eternal plan for humanity.

Historically, Lapsarianism has been shaped by the Reformation’s emphasis on predestination and has been a topic of debate among Reformed theologians. The different views—Supralapsarianism, Infralapsarianism, and Sublapsarianism—reflect varying perspectives on how God’s decrees are logically ordered.

Theologically, Lapsarianism emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty, the relationship between His justice and mercy, and the eternal nature of His decrees. It invites Christians to trust in God’s wisdom and to find assurance in His sovereign plan.

Practically, Lapsarianism has implications for how Christians understand their salvation, their assurance in Christ, and their daily lives under God’s sovereignty. It encourages believers to live with confidence in God’s eternal purposes and to submit to His will, knowing that He is working all things for His glory and their good.