The doctrine of preterition refers to the belief that God passes over some people when choosing individuals for salvation. This doctrine is closely associated with Calvinism and the concept of unconditional election. Here is an overview of what the doctrine of preterition teaches:
1. Preterition Means God Passes Over the Non-Elect for Salvation
Preterition comes from the Latin word “praeterire” which means to pass over or pass by. When it comes to salvation, preterition is the belief that God actively passes over or passes by certain people, not selecting them for salvation. These passed over individuals are known as the non-elect. According to this view, before the foundation of the world God chose certain individuals for salvation but actively passed over all others, leaving them in their sinful state to face condemnation (Ephesians 1:4-5).
2. Preterition Is Related to the Doctrine of Unconditional Election
The doctrine of preterition is directly related to the Calvinist doctrine of unconditional election. Unconditional election teaches that before creation, God chose some people for salvation based solely on His sovereign will, with no regard to any future action or quality in the person. Those not chosen (the non-elect) are passed over by God for salvation. They are left in their sin and will not be saved. Preterition describes this passing over of the non-elect. The decision is unconditional and based only on God’s sovereign choice, not anything in the individual.
3. Preterition Highlights God’s Active Role in Reprobation
Reformed theologians emphasize that preterition means God actively passes over and withholds saving grace from certain people. It is not just that God does not elect some while electing others – He actively denies grace to those passed over. This highlights God’s active role in reprobation, excluding some from salvation. Critics argue this implies God creates people already condemned to wrath, without giving them a chance of salvation.
4. Preterition Is Distinct from Reprobation
While related, preterition and reprobation are distinct concepts. Preterition refers to God’s passing over of the non-elect when choosing who will be saved. It focuses on God’s deliberate choice to not elect some people. Reprobation is the state of those not elected. The reprobate have been passed over by God and left in their fallen state, already condemned because of their sin.
5. Not All Calvinists Have Accepted the Doctrine of Preterition
While many prominent Reformed theologians have affirmed preterition, it has also been controversial within Calvinism. The language of God “passing over” individuals for salvation implies a deliberate choice to not elect them on God’s part. Some Calvinists prefer to emphasize God’s sovereign choice to elect some, without commenting directly on God’s decision regarding those not elected. They affirm election but are hesitant to confirm a doctrine of preterition.
6. Preterition Is Closely Related to Double Predestination
The doctrine of preterition is directly connected to double predestination. Double predestination teaches that God chooses some for election unto salvation and others for reprobation unto condemnation. The passed over reprobate are destined for wrath. Preterition and election are two sides of double predestination – God elects some and passes over the rest. Critics argue this makes God the author of condemnation.
7. Preterition Applies Only to God’s Choice of the Elect, Not Sin
Orthodox Calvinists are careful to specify that preterition refers only to God’s choice regarding salvation. They deny God directly causes the reprobate to sin. Defenders argue that although God decrees reprobation, each person is still responsible for their own sin. However, critics say passing over people for salvation effectively destines them to sin and wrath.
8. Key Biblical Passages Cited to Support Preterition
Here are some key biblical passages Calvinists cite to support preterition:
- Romans 9 – “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” This suggests God sovereignly chooses who will receive mercy.
- John 10:26 – “But you do not believe because you are not my sheep.” Indicates some are not chosen by Christ.
- 1 Peter 2:8 – “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” Some are destined to stumble.
9. Preterition Is Controversial Even Among Some Calvinists
While the doctrine has been affirmed by many prominent Reformed theologians over the years, preterition remains controversial even among some Calvinists. The implication that God actively passes over the reprobate is difficult for some. It raises philosophical and moral questions about God’s role in condemnation that some Calvinists prefer to avoid. There have been ongoing debates within Reformed circles about preterition vs. single predestination.
10. Preterition and Predestination Present Challenging Theological Questions
The doctrine of preterition, like predestination in general, presents challenging questions about the nature of God’s sovereignty and human choice and responsibility. Critics argue it implies God arbitrarily destines some to condemnation without chance. Defenders counter that God is free to extend mercy according to His sovereign will, and reprobates are still responsible for their own sins. There are philosophical complexities and apparent tensions between God’s sovereignty and human agency that cannot be fully resolved.
11. Different Views on Whether Preterition Is Essential for Consistent Calvinism
There is disagreement among Calvinists as to whether affirming the doctrine of preterition is essential for maintaining a consistently Reformed view of predestination and election. Some argue that preterition is the necessary corollary to election – if God sovereignly chooses some unto salvation, He implicitly passes over all others. Others are wary of the implications of preterition and deny God actively passes people over. There is room for different views on this debate within Calvinism as a theological system.
12. Catholics and Arminians Reject Preterition and Unconditional Election
Both Roman Catholic and Arminian theologies reject the doctrines of preterition and unconditional election. Catholicism espouses conditional election, that God elects individuals based on His foreknowledge of their future faith and merit. This denies that God actively passes over anyone for salvation. Arminianism teaches election is conditioned on God’s foreknowledge of human choices. They affirm God’s universal grace and that condemnation results from people rejecting the gospel, not preterition.
13. Preterition Impacts Views on the Extent of the Atonement
A Calvinist understanding of preterition affects one’s view of the atonement. Since the non-elect are passed over by God for salvation, most advocates of preterition hold to limited atonement – Christ died to save only the elect, not all humanity. If Christ died for all, it seems implausible God would actively pass over some for salvation. Definite atonement is closely linked to unconditional election and preterition.
14. Differing Perspectives on Whether Preterition Diminishes God’s Love
Opponents of preterition argue that it essentially limits the love and mercy of God. Passing over some for salvation while choosing others seems contrary to God’s omnibenevolence. However, most Calvinists respond that God shows love and mercy unconditionally to the elect. His justice is displayed in the condemnation of the non-elect. God’s attributes are not diminished simply because His love is targeted rather than universal.
15. Preterition Helps Make Sense of Vessels Prepared for Destruction
For those holding to unconditional election, the doctrine of preterition helps make sense of difficult passages about vessels fit for destruction (Romans 9:22). If God actively prepares some people for wrath rather than salvation, preterition explains this as God passing over the reprobate in the exercise of His sovereign will. But conditional election proponents argue this interpretation undermines God’s justice.
16. The Doctrine Is Logically Necessary in Strict Reformed Theology
Most advocates of preterition argue it is logically necessary in the Reformed system of theology. Unconditional election and double predestination need a doctrine of preterition to explain the status of the non-elect. If God actively chooses some for salvation, He implicitly leaves the others. Total depravity also necessitates that without special grace, all would be passed over. Thus preterition seems required as part of a rigorous, consistent Reformed theology.
17. Preterition Has Past and Present Critics Within Calvinism
While many leading Calvinists have affirmed the doctrine of preterition, there have always been critics of the doctrine within Reformed circles. Several significant Reformed theologians have rejected or expressed caution about the doctrine through history. Some moderate Calvinists in the present day express similar hesitations. They reaffirm unconditional election but avoid direct reference to God “passing over” the non-elect.
18. Amyraldians Historical Alternative: God Decrees to Pass Over
The Amyraldians or Moderate Calvinists provide an alternative perspective. Historically Amyraldians affirmed unconditional election but said God simply permits or decrees the non-election of the reprobate, rather than directly choosing to pass them over. God’s active decree is limited to the unconditional election of the elect. This maintains election but softens God’s role in reprobation.
19. The Doctrine Relates to Providence and the Fall of Man
Within Calvinism, preterition relates to the broader doctrines of providence and the fall of man. Supporters argue that just as God’s providence actively ordains all things, preterition means He actively destines some to be passed over rather than leaving it to chance. And like the fall, the reprobate have no one to blame but themselves for being condemned, though God decreed it.
20. Preterition Has Been Affirmed by Many Prominent Calvinists
While controversial in some circles, the doctrine of preterition has been affirmed by many leading Calvinist theologians over the centuries. This includes figures like Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Perkins, Beza, Edwards, Hodge, Warfield, and more recently Piper, Sproul, and others. It remains a mainstream view within Calvinism.
In summary, the doctrine of preterition teaches that before creation God actively chose to pass over some individuals, leaving them in their sins and excluded from salvation. This highlights God’s freedom and sovereignty in election. The doctrine relates to unconditional election, double predestination, limited atonement, and God’s providential control over all things. It remains a notable point of contention between Calvinists and their theological opponents, as well as a matter of internal debate within Reformed circles.
