On the Election of Grace

Jakob Böhme's On the Election of Grace (Von der Gnadenwahl), written in 1623, addresses the theological concept of predestination. This doctrine, prominent in Christianity, posits that God has eternally chosen those to be saved. Böhme's work specifically examines the problem of free will in light of predestination, a topic made particularly relevant by the spread of Calvinism at the time.12

The book explores different interpretations of predestination, including the idea that God's choice is based on foreknowledge of future faith and merits, and the concept of double predestination, where God has eternally determined both salvation and damnation. Böhme's philosophical mystic approach integrates biblical doctrine with his own insights, influenced by Renaissance nature mysticism and alchemical terminology.21