Infralapsarianism is a theological term that refers to a particular belief about the order of salvation and predestination. The word is spelled with 5 syllables and pronounced [in-fruh-lap-sair-ee-uh-niz-uhm]. The "in" prefix means "below" or "beneath," and "lapsarianism" refers to the fall of humanity from grace in the Garden of Eden. Infralapsarianism teaches that God's election and predestination occur after the fall of humanity, while supralapsarianism teaches that they occur before the fall. Though complex, proper spelling and use of these terms are important in theological discussions.
Infralapsarianism is a theological concept primarily associated with the Reformed tradition within Christianity. Derived from the Latin terms "infra" (meaning below) and "lapsus" (meaning fall), it pertains to a specific understanding of God's decrees concerning the fall of humanity.
According to the infralapsarian perspective, God's decrees can be understood in sequential order. In this regard, it posits that God decreed the election of some individuals to salvation and the reprobation (or passover) of others before the fall of humanity. In other words, God's decision to save or condemn people occurred prior to the entrance of sin into the world through Adam and Eve.
From an infralapsarian perspective, God's intention was to demonstrate His justice and mercy by decreeing the salvation of some and the condemnation of others. Therefore, the fall of humanity was not necessary for God's decrees of election and reprobation but rather, it has a purpose in God's overall plan for the manifestation of His glory.
Infralapsarianism stands in contrast to supralapsarianism, another theological position associated with the Reformed tradition. While infralapsarians consider the decree of election and reprobation to precede the fall, supralapsarianism argues that God's decrees were made in a different order, with the decree of election and reprobation preceding the fall.
Overall, infralapsarianism focuses on the logical sequence of God's decrees regarding human salvation and God's sovereignty, affirming that God's plan for the salvation of some and condemnation of others predates the fall of humanity.
The word "Infralapsarianism" originates from a combination of two Latin roots: "infra" and "lapsus".
1. "Infra" is a Latin preposition that means "beneath" or "below". It is derived from the Latin word "inferus", which means "low" or "below".
2. "Lapsus" is a Latin noun that means "fall" or "slip". It is derived from the Latin verb "labi", which means "to slip" or "to fall".
Combining these two roots, "infra" and "lapsus", creates the term "Infralapsarianism", which denotes a theological position regarding the order of God's decrees and salvation.