What is "foreordination"

Foreordination \Fore*or`di*na"tion\, n. Previous ordination or appointment; predetermination; predestination.

n. Previous ordination or appointment; predetermination; predestination.

n. (theology) being determined in advance; especially the doctrine (usually associated with Calvin) that God has foreordained every event throughout eternity (including the final salvation of mankind) [syn: predestination, preordination, predetermination]

Foreordination, an important doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), teaches that during the pre-mortal existence, God selected ("foreordained") particular people to fulfill certain missions ("callings") during their mortal lives. For example, prophets were foreordained to be the Lord's servants, all who receive the priesthood were foreordained to that calling, and Jesus Christ was foreordained to enact the atonement.

Unlike predestination, foreordination allows for individual agency (the ability to choose whether to fulfill one's callings).