In Christian theology, permissive decrees are those decrees (ordained events) of God that are different from His direct decrees. An example of a permissive decree would be the fall of Adam into sin. God does not desire sin, yet He permitted its occurrence. He decreed that it would occur by permission, not by the direct action of His will. A direct decree of God would be the incarnation of the Son.

See also Decretive Will, Preceptive Will, and Permissive Will