Explaining the TULIP
Five-Point Calvinism is most often explained through the acrostic TULIP. Calvinists believe in:
Total Depravity: All humans are born sinners, and this sinful condition affects every aspect of man's being, including his will and has rendered him incapable of responding to the gospel without God's initiative.
Unconditional Election: God decreed from eternity to elect certain individuals to salvation. The basis of this election has nothing to do with the merit of those chosen, but is based solely on the sovereign will of God.
Limited Atonement: Christ's death atoned for the sin of those chosen to salvation from eternity past. In other words, Christ did not die for all of humanity, only the "elect." Many Calvinists prefer the wording "particular redemption" when explaining this tenant.
Irresistible Grace: The elect are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and thus are able to see, understand, and respond to the gospel. This act of God's grace is ultimately irresistible in that divine election works unfailingly. Many Calvinists prefer the wording "effectual calling" in lieu of irresistible grace.
Perseverance of the Saints: God preserves those He elects to become believers, and they will not fall away.
Five-Point Calvinism is most often explained through the acrostic TULIP. Calvinists believe in:
Total Depravity: All humans are born sinners, and this sinful condition affects every aspect of man's being, including his will and has rendered him incapable of responding to the gospel without God's initiative.
Unconditional Election: God decreed from eternity to elect certain individuals to salvation. The basis of this election has nothing to do with the merit of those chosen, but is based solely on the sovereign will of God.
Limited Atonement: Christ's death atoned for the sin of those chosen to salvation from eternity past. In other words, Christ did not die for all of humanity, only the "elect." Many Calvinists prefer the wording "particular redemption" when explaining this tenant.
Irresistible Grace: The elect are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and thus are able to see, understand, and respond to the gospel. This act of God's grace is ultimately irresistible in that divine election works unfailingly. Many Calvinists prefer the wording "effectual calling" in lieu of irresistible grace.
Perseverance of the Saints: God preserves those He elects to become believers, and they will not fall away.