Skip to content

Calvinism, as we have seen, starts from a double decree of…

“Calvinism, as we have seen, starts from a double decree of absolute predestination, which antedates creation, and is the divine program of human history. This program includes the successive stages of the creation of man, an universal fall and condemnation of the race, a partial redemption and…” quote by Philip Schaff
Download Open image
““Calvinism, as we have seen, starts from a double decree of absolute predestination, which antedates creation, and is the divine program of human history. This program includes the successive stages of the creation of man, an universal fall and condemnation of the race, a partial redemption and salvation, and a partial reprobation and perdition: all for the glory of God and the display of his attributes of mercy and justice. History is only the execution of the original design. There can be no failure. The beginning and the end, God’s immutable plan and the issue of the world’s history, must correspond.””

Philip Schaff

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Calvinism teaches that God's unchangeable plan determines all events, leaving no room for failure or deviation.

In simple terms: God's plan decides everything, with no chance of failure.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of human control in destiny.

Themes

theodicy predestination divine sovereignty history

Mood

serious introspective

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal decision‑making
  • ethical debates
  • spiritual counseling
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

determinism theology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you accept predetermined outcomes?
  • How does this view affect personal responsibility?
A Different Perspective

Human agency may feel constrained by deterministic views.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Philip Schaff

Explore all 40 Philip Schaff quotes

More Calvinism quotes

Browse all 104 Calvinism quotes