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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Philosophy

Predestination

Predestination is a theological doctrine holding that God has already determined the ultimate fate of individuals or events, especially in relation to salvation.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Predestination is the theological view that God has predetermined the ultimate fate of individuals, especially regarding salvation. It is most prominent in Christian theology, particularly Calvinism, but also appears in other traditions.

What is predestination?

Predestination is the view that the outcome of human destiny, especially salvation, has been established in advance by God. In broader theological usage, it can refer to God’s prior determination of all events.

Election and reprobation

Some writers distinguish election, meaning the choice of some for salvation, from reprobation, meaning the decision not to save others. These terms are important in Reformed and Calvinist discussions of the doctrine.

Predestination and free will

Predestination has long been debated in relation to free will and moral responsibility. Philosophical and theological discussions often ask whether divine foreordination can be reconciled with genuine human choice.

In short

  • Predestination is God's eternal choice of who will be saved.
  • Associated with Calvinism, but also with Augustine and Aquinas.
  • Election and reprobation are key distinctions.
  • Often debated alongside free will and determinism.

Quick questions

What does predestination mean?
It is the doctrine that God has already determined the fate of individuals or events, especially the destiny of the soul.
Is predestination mainly a Christian idea?
Yes. It is most closely associated with Christian theology, especially Calvinism, though similar ideas appear elsewhere.
What is the difference between predestination and determinism?
Predestination is a theological form of determinism in which God is the determining agent, while determinism is a broader philosophical view about prior causes or necessity.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predestination
    Supports: General definition of predestination as a theological doctrine involving God’s will and the fate of individuals.
  2. Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy — https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/thematic/predestination/v-1
    Supports: Predestination as a religious version of determinism; association with Calvinism, Augustine, Aquinas, and Islam.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/predestination
    Supports: Christian doctrine of God’s eternal choice of those intended to be saved; distinction from determinism and fatalism.
  4. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/predestination
    Supports: Predestination as a theological concept in Christianity; historical roots and relation to free will and other religions.
  5. Wikisource — https://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Predestination
    Supports: Historical theological senses including election and reprobation.