Index To All Sections Part 1: An Introduction to John Calvin and his Doctrines of Grace You Are Here  Part 2: Introduction to the acronym T.U.L.I.P - each letter stands for one of the five fundamental tenets of Calvinism.
2A. Total Inability
2B. Unconditional Election
2C. Limited Atonement
2D. Irresistible Grace
2E. Perseverance of The Saints Part 3: When the Gospel Becomes a Lie
Part 4: God’s Sovereignty and Character
Part 5: Hypocrisy Unlimited
Part 6: Conclusion Part 7: The Sins of Augustine. Part 8: Calvinism in the First 1500 Years Calvinism And The Book of Romans HERE
The Canons of Dordt and T.U.L.I.P
Although the Synod was held to settle the Arminian controversy, the delegates also drafted five points to summarize Calvinistic doctrine. TULIP which eventually became the cornerstone of Reformed theology is an acronym - each letter standing for one of the five fundamental tenets of Calvinism. It is a comprehensible but accurate representation of Calvin's views. Also See Original Sin.. Fact or Fable However, it is important to note that the last four points of Calvinism are completely dependent on the first. In other words, Total Inability is the foundation and cornerstone of the entire superstructure. Total Depravity/Inability. As a consequence of Adam' sin (the fall), every person born into the world is so morally corrupt, and so enslaved to sin that he is incapable of repenting and believing the Gospel, and worthy of nothing but everlasting damnation. It is only God's grace that enables him to choose to follow God, repent and have faith in Christ for salvation. HERE Unconditional Election. Before the creation of the world God selected a portion of humanity to be saved. This election is not based on God looking into the future and seeing that the person would have some particular virtues or faith, but is a decision based solely upon God's will. (Or as some Calvinists like to put it.. His good pleasure). HERE Limited Atonement (also known as Particular Atonement). Jesus on Calvary bore the full punishment due his elect, ensuring their final salvation. He did not die for the non-elect, who are excluded from the Atonement. HERE Irresistible or Efficacious Grace. (Efficacious means successful in producing a desired or intended result). God draws the sinner to Christ before he himself has a single thought of responding to the good news. In other words, faith is a gift imparted to the sinner, who is entirely passive in this act, therefore regeneration (the new birth) occurs before belief in Christ. (Efficacious means successful in producing a desired or intended result). HERE Perseverance of the Saints is similar to the doctrine of Once Saved Always Saved, states that everyone truly regenerated by God's grace will never fall away and perish. HERE
| 
