Prädestination

The doctrine that God has foreordained all that will come to pass, especially concerning the salvation of individuals. Romans 8:29-30 outlines a chain: foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified. Ephesians 1:4-5 says God 'chose us in him before the creation of the world' and 'predestined us for adoption to sonship.' This doctrine has been debated throughout church history, with Calvinists emphasizing unconditional election and Arminians stressing God's foreknowledge of human free choices. Both traditions affirm that salvation ultimately originates in God's grace and purpose rather than human initiative.