Sublapsarian View

Part Three
Theology Proper: 21 THE ETERNAL PURPOSE OF GOD
A DISPENSATIONAL THEOLOGY
By Charles F Baker

The word sub means under or below, the same as infra. Some theologians use these terms interchangeably, while others make the Sub view to be a modification of the Infra view. This view places election below the fall, as does the Infra view, but it reverses the order of election and salvation as follows:

1. The decree to create.

2. The decree to permit the fall.

3. The decree to provide salvation for all.

4. The decree to elect some to salvation.

Thus, this view differs from the lnfra view in teaching that a salvation has been provided which is sufficient for all, but which will be applied only to some. This view seems to be most in harmony with the teachings of Scripture.

Calvinism is usually associated with the doctrine of a limited atonement, a view adopted by Calvin in his “Institutes;” but according to Strong, Calvin wrote in his Commentary on 1 John 2:2:

“Christ suffered for the sins of the whole world, and in the goodness of God is offered unto all men without distinction, His blood being shed not for a part of the world only, but for the whole human race.”¹

1           A. H. Strong, Systematic Theology (Philadelphia: The Judson Press, 1907), p. 779.

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