Predestination

WELS teaches a doctrine of election that is distinctive within Lutheran theology. Rather than the LCMS position of single predestination based on pure grace, WELS teaches election intuitu fidei—God's election is based on his foreknowledge of faith. God foresees who will believe and predestines those whom he foresees will believe to salvation.

WELS emphasizes that this position does not make faith a meritorious work. God's grace remains the source and sustainer of faith; the act of belief is itself a gift of the Holy Spirit. However, God's foreknowledge of who will exercise faith (rather than God's unconditional decree regardless of foreseen faith) forms the basis of election. This represents an attempt to preserve both divine sovereignty and human free will within a biblical framework.

WELS rejects double predestination (the Calvinist doctrine that God predestines some to damnation). God's will is that all be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Reprobation (predestination to damnation) is denied. Those finally lost are responsible for their own rejection of Christ; God does not decree anyone's damnation. The human will is bound in sin before conversion (monergism in regeneration) but is free within bounds after conversion.