Predestination (Calvinism) facts for kids
Predestination is a central belief in some Christian groups. It is the idea that God has already decided, before the world was even made, who will be saved and go to heaven. It also suggests that God has decided who will not be saved and will go to Hell. This idea is very important in a branch of Christianity called Calvinism.
What is Predestination?
Predestination comes from the word "pre-destine," which means to decide something beforehand. In religion, it means that God has a plan for everyone's future. This plan includes whether a person will become a believer and go to heaven.
Predestination in Calvinism
The idea of predestination is a key part of Calvinism. This Christian belief system was developed by a French theologian named John Calvin. Calvinists believe that God is all-powerful and knows everything. Because of this, they think God must have already chosen who will be saved.
John Calvin taught that people chosen by God are called the "elect." He believed these "elect" people would always remain saved. They could not lose their salvation. Calvin also thought that these chosen people would show signs of their salvation through their good actions. Their lives would reflect their faith.
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The idea of Predestination explained in a question and answer format from a 1589/1594 Geneva Bible.
