What concept does predestination emphasize in Calvinist theology?

Predestination, as emphasized in Calvinist theology, refers to the belief that God, in His sovereignty, has already determined the fate of every individual in regard to salvation before they are even born. This concept underscores the idea that God has the ultimate authority and control over who will be saved and who will not, highlighting His omniscience and omnipotence. This mechanism of salvation is not based on individual actions or merits, but solely on God's will and plan.

In Calvinism, this teaching is integral to understanding the nature of grace and the role of humans in the context of divine selection. Those who are chosen for salvation have been predestined by God, reflecting His grace and purpose, while those not chosen are left in their sinful state. This belief reaffirms the central tenet of God's sovereignty and serves as a foundation for other doctrines within Calvinist thought, shaping the understanding of faith and salvation in a way that prioritizes divine will over human effort or decision.

The other concepts—universal salvation, individual free will, and the importance of good works—do not align with the core principle of predestination in Calvinist theology, which distinctly posits that it is God's predetermined choice that governs the ultimate outcome of each individual's salvation