predestination

[ pri-des-tuh-ney-shuhn, pree-des- ]

noun

1. an act of predestinating or predestining.
2. the state of being predestinated or predestined.
3. fate; destiny.
4. Theology.
   1. the action of God in foreordaining from eternity whatever comes to pass.
   2. the decree of God by which certain souls are foreordained to salvation. Compare election ( def 5 ), double predestination.

predestination

/ priːˌdɛstɪˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. theol
   1. the act of God foreordaining every event from eternity
   2. the doctrine or belief, esp associated with Calvin, that the final salvation of some of mankind is foreordained from eternity by God
2. the act of predestining or the state of being predestined

predestination

1. In theology , the doctrine that all events have been willed by God. John Calvin interpreted predestination to mean that God willed eternal damnation for some people and salvation (see also salvation ) for others.

Word History and Origins

Origin of predestination¹

1300–50; Middle English predestinacioun < Late Latin praedestinātiōn- (stem of praedestinātiō ). See predestinate, -ion

Example Sentences

The theological writings he was drawn to emphasized predestination, and he thought his self-serving attempt to avoid earthly persecution was clear evidence he was going to hell.

From Washington Post

Such are the ideas which the dogma of gratuitous predestination gives of Divinity!

From Project Gutenberg

Again: Bolsee was brought to trial for "having other ideas than those of Calvin on predestination."

From Project Gutenberg

Why, don't you know, you little goose, that these are signs of your predestination?

From Project Gutenberg

I do not pretend to determine the controverted point of predestination, the foreknowledge and decrees of Providence.

From Project Gutenberg

His opinion of the professors of physic was rather singular, and seemed to border upon predestination.

From Project Gutenberg