The religion that strongly believes God has predetermined who will be saved is Calvinism. This core doctrine, known as predestination, is a fundamental aspect of Calvinist theology.
Understanding Predestination in Calvinism
Calvinism, a major branch of Protestantism, teaches that God, in His absolute sovereignty, has already chosen which individuals will receive salvation and eternal life. This divine election occurred even before the creation of the world, meaning that an individual's ultimate destiny—whether they are saved or condemned—is not based on their actions or faith during their lifetime, but rather on God's unchangeable decree.
For Calvinists, God picked those whom he will save and bring with him to Heaven before the world was created. Conversely, those individuals whom God does not choose for salvation are believed to be destined for Hell.
Key aspects of this belief system often include:
- Unconditional Election: God's choice of individuals for salvation is not based on any foreseen merit or goodness in them, but solely on His grace and sovereign will.
- Limited Atonement: It is believed that Jesus Christ's atoning death on the cross was specifically intended for and effective only for the elect, not for all humanity.
- Irresistible Grace: Those whom God has chosen for salvation will inevitably come to faith and cannot resist His saving grace.
- Perseverance of the Saints: Once chosen and truly regenerated by God, the elect will persevere in faith until the end and cannot lose their salvation.
This theological concept profoundly shapes their understanding of divine justice, human responsibility, and the nature of salvation.
For more detailed information on this topic, you can refer to the concept of Predestination.
