Amyraldianism
A view held among orthodox Christians
A view from the French Reformed tradition holding that God first decreed Christ's death for all people on condition of faith, and then elected some to be given that faith.
Also called: Amyraldian, hypothetical universalism
What it means
Amyraldianism takes its name from Moïse Amyraut, a seventeenth-century theologian at the Reformed academy of Saumur in France. He taught that God's decrees have an order: first, God willed to save all people through Christ on condition that they believe; then, foreseeing that no one would believe on his own, He elected some to receive the gift of faith. Christ's death is thus universal in intent, while election and effectual calling are particular.
Holders believe this best honors both the universal language of Scripture, such as God desiring all to be saved, and its teaching of sovereign election. Amyraldians stand within the Reformed family and affirm total depravity, unconditional election, and perseverance. "Hypothetical universalism" is a broader term for similar views held by some English Reformed theologians.
The Westminster Confession was written with room for debate among its framers on this point, but most confessional Reformed theologians have judged Amyraldianism inconsistent with the unity of God's saving purpose, in which the Father's electing, the Son's dying, and the Spirit's applying all have the same people in view.
In Scripture
God desires all people to be saved, and Christ gave Himself as a ransom for all.
Christ is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world.
God gave His Son so that whoever believes would not perish.
God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.
The Reformed reply notes that Christ lays down His life for the sheep.
History
Developed by Moïse Amyraut (1596-1664) at the Academy of Saumur.
Where it comes up
Confessions: WCF 3.6; WCF 8.8; Canons of Dort 2.8
On this site: Sovereignty & human responsibility
Related terms
Four-point CalvinismA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that affirms total depravity, unconditional election, effectual calling, and perseverance, but holds that Christ died for all people rather than for the elect only.
CalvinismA view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching that salvation is wholly God's work, from His choosing of sinners before creation to His keeping them to the end.
Definite atonementA view held among orthodox Christians
Christ died with the intention of actually securing the salvation of those the Father gave Him, and His death will save every one of them.