The Doctrine of Predestination in the Theology of Jacob Arminius

Abstract

Jacob Arminius is usually connected with reformed controversy around the issue of predestination, which took place in the beginning of 17th century in Holland. This article undertakes the analysis of this doctrine in the theology of Arminius, putting the thesis that it is not possible to fully understand it without reference to his teaching on the nature of God, creation and divine providence. It turns out that for Leiden’s professor truths about goodness and justice of Creator has an essential meaning, that is why he speaks on predestination in such manner, so as not to violate those truths. For him, predestination in itself is a God’s response to fall of a man, a salvific plan of God, who decided to save people by Jesus Christ. In reference to individuals, God elects to salvation those people, about which He eternally knew that they believe in his Son by his grace, while condemns those, who have not accepted the Gospel. This is the most fundamental difference between Arminian and reformed interpretations of praedestinatio duplex, which is defined as conditional predestination. It seems that Arminius did in the protestant world what Louis de Molina did in Catholicism – reconciles predestination with free will.