How Do You Spell SUBLAPSARIAN?

Pronunciation: [sˌʌblɐpsˈe͡əɹi͡ən] (IPA)

Sublapsarian is a term from Calvinist theology referring to the belief that God permitted the fall of man, but did not cause it. The word is pronounced /sʌblæpsɛriən/ with stress on the second syllable. The "sub-" prefix comes from the Latin "sub," meaning "under," while "lapsarian" comes from the Latin "lapsus," meaning "fall." The complex spelling of "Sublapsarian" reflects the word's roots in Latin and the need to differentiate it from other, similar theological terms.

SUBLAPSARIAN Meaning and Definition

1. Sublapsarian is an adjective that is primarily used within theological contexts to describe a particular belief or position within the doctrine of predestination. It is derived from the Latin word "sublapsus," which means "fallen under" or "under the fall."

   In the realm of Reformed theology, which explores the concepts of God's sovereignty and human salvation, Sublapsarianism represents a specific perspective. It refers to the doctrine or viewpoint that God's decree of election and predestination was made subsequent to, or after, the fall of humankind into sin.

   Sublapsarians hold that God, in His perfect knowledge and wisdom, predetermined to save some individuals and condemn others based on His foreknowledge of their future fall into sin. They believe that humanity's fall into sin was a prerequisite for God's plan of redemption to take place and that God's decision to elect or reprobate individuals was made in light of this fallen state. Sublapsarianism, in essence, posits that God's decree of election is based on His response to human sin.

   This position stands in contrast to Supralapsarianism, which maintains that God's decree of election occurred before the fall, and that God's choice to save or condemn individuals is not contingent upon their falling into sin.

   In conclusion, Sublapsarian refers to a theological standpoint within Reformed Christianity that posits God's decree of election and predestination occurred after the fall into sin and is therefore seen as a response to human depravity.

2. • One of those moderate Calvinists who believe that God only permitted the first man to fall into transgression without positively predetermining his fall-that the decree of predestination regarded man as fallen, the elect themselves being in a fallen and guilty state-and that the election of grace was only a remedy for an existing evil.

   • Done after the fall of man.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SUBLAPSARIAN

• aublapsarian
• zublapsarian
• xublapsarian
• dublapsarian
• eublapsarian
• wublapsarian
• syblapsarian
• shblapsarian
• sjblapsarian
• siblapsarian
• s8blapsarian
• s7blapsarian
• suvlapsarian
• sunlapsarian
• suhlapsarian
• suglapsarian
• subkapsarian
• subpapsarian
• suboapsarian
• sublzpsarian

Etymology of SUBLAPSARIAN

The word "Sublapsarian" has its origins in theological discourse, specifically within the context of the debate over predestination. It is derived from the Latin word "sublapsus", which means "fall", and the suffix "-arian", indicating a follower or advocate of a specific viewpoint.

The term was coined in the 17th century to distinguish a particular position within the Calvinistic doctrine of predestination. The debate centered around the logical order of God's decrees regarding the salvation or damnation of individuals. The Sublapsarian view argued that God's decrees followed the Fall of humanity into sin, thus the name "Sublapsarian", which can be translated as "after the fall".

In contrast, the Supralapsarian position claimed that God's decrees occurred before the Fall, meaning "before the fall" in Latin.