Theological Glossary
Six Christian traditions define Predestination below — each in its own words, paraphrased from its official documents. These are attributed positions, not assertions of fact.
The Catholic Church teaches that God predestines no one to hell; his predestination of the elect is inseparable from his foreknowledge of their free cooperation with grace. It holds that God's universal salvific will desires all to be saved, while human freedom can finally reject his grace.
Source: CCC 600–605; 1037 ↗
The Orthodox Church teaches that God's foreknowledge of who will respond to his grace is not a decree that causes their response; predestination is God's loving purpose, never a predetermination to damnation. It firmly rejects double predestination as incompatible with God's goodness and human freedom.
Source: The Orthodox Faith, Vol. I ↗
Lutherans teach single predestination: God's eternal election in Christ is the cause of the salvation of the elect, while the lost are lost through their own rejection of grace, not by God's decree. They hold this as a mystery of comfort for believers, warning against curious speculation about the hidden God.
The Reformed tradition teaches double predestination: from eternity God has sovereignly decreed the election of some to everlasting life and the reprobation of others, for the praise of his glorious justice and mercy. It holds that this decree is unconditional, not based on foreseen faith or works.
Source: Westminster Confession 3.3–3.7 ↗
Baptists teach that election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which he regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. They hold that this election is consistent with the free agency of man, comprehends all the means in connection with the end, and excludes boasting.
Source: BFM 2000, V ↗
Methodists teach that God's saving grace is genuinely offered to all, and that predestination in Scripture speaks of God's loving purpose for believers in Christ — never of an arbitrary decree consigning anyone to damnation.
See how the traditions compare on related topics: