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Five Point TULIP Calvinism Explained
The TULIP acronym explains the beliefs of
Calvinism
.
By Jack Zavada
Calvinism is a rare theology: It can be explained simply using a
five-letter acronym: TULIP.
The TULIP memory tool was solidified at the Synod of Dort (1618-1619),
a gathering of Reformed theologians who met in the
Netherlands to counter and condemn the teachings of Arminianism.
Like Martin Luther before him, John Calvin broke
from the Roman Catholic Church and based his theology
on the Bible alone, not the Bible and tradition.
After Calvin's death, his followers spread those beliefs throughout
Europe and the American colonies.
TULIP Calvinism Explained
The five points of Calvinism can be remembered using the acronym
TULIP:
T - Stands for Total Depravity
The belief in total depravity takes the view that sinfulness pervades
all areas of life and human existence.
Through the Fall of Man, humanity is stained by sin in every aspect: heart, emotions, will,
mind, and body.
This means people cannot independently choose God. They cannot save
themselves. God must intervene to save people.
Calvinism insists that God must do all the work, from choosing those
who will be saved to sanctifying them throughout their lives until they die and
go to heaven.
Calvinists cite numerous Scripture verses supporting humanity's fallen
and sinful nature, such as Mark 7:21-23, Romans 6:20, and 1 Corinthians 2:14.
U - Stands for Unconditional Election
This Calvinist view says God chooses who will be saved. Because people
are dead in their sins, they are unable to initiate a response to God.
In eternity past God elected certain people to be saved. The saved
people are called the Elect.
God picks them based not on their personal character or merit, but out
of his kindness and sovereign will.
It also means that election for salvation is not based on God's
foreknowledge of who would come to faith in the future.
Since some are chosen for salvation, others are not. Those not chosen
are the damned, destined for an eternity in hell.
L - Stands for Limited Atonement
Limited atonement is the view that Jesus Christ died only for the sins of the
Elect, according to John Calvin.
Support for this belief comes from verses that say Jesus died
for "many," such as Matthew 20:28 and Hebrews 9:28.
This point is one of the more controversial beliefs of Calvinism.
Those who teach "Four Point Calvinism" believe Christ died
not for just the Elect but for the entire world. They cite these verses, among
others: John 3:16, Acts 2:21,1 Timothy 2:3-4, and 1 John 2:2.
I - Stands for Irresistible Grace
Irresistible grace is the belief that God brings his Elect to
salvation through an internal call, which they are powerless to resist.
The Holy Spirit supplies grace to them until they repent and
are born again.
Calvinists back this doctrine with such verses as Romans 9:16, Philippians 2:12-13,
and John 6:28-29.
P - Stands for Perseverance of the Saints
Calvinism teaches that the Elect cannot lose their salvation.
None whom God has called will be lost, they are eternally secure.
Technically, however, it is God who perseveres, not the saints
themselves.
Calvin's doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is in
contrast to the theology of Lutheranism and the Roman Catholic Church,
which hold that people can lose their salvation.
Calvinists support eternal security with verses such as John 10:27-28, Romans 8:1, 1 Corinthians 10:13,
and Philippians 1:6.
The TULIP acronym arranges the five points of Calvinism logically and
progressively, with each point contingent on the other.
If humans are totally depraved, then they are unable to make an
initial response to God.
God must call people to salvation through unconditional election.
God must also provide the way of salvation by the death of Jesus
Christ.
He makes salvation secure by the effectual call of the Holy Spirit.
He keeps his saved ones secure so they will inherit the eternal life
he has promised them.
Jack Zavada
Christianity Expert
Education
M.A., English Composition, Illinois State
University
B.S., English Literature, Illinois State
University
Introduction
Created and manages and blogs at
Inspiration-For-Singles.com
Published several books about Christian
lifestyle topics
Contributes to numerous self-growth and
Christian-based websites
Former newspaper reporter, technical editor,
and public relations director
Experience
Jack Zavada is a Christianity writer. Jack
began his 45-year career as a police and government newspaper reporter and
Associated Press wire editor. He later served as a technical editor at the U.S.
Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL). Other positions held
include being a publications editor and a communications director.
As a writer, Jack focuses his work into three
genres, Christian lifestyles, self-help, and western fiction. He contributes to
several Christian-focused websites including Bible-Reflections.net,
SelfGrowth.com, LivingWordBaptist.net, JustMeCatholicFaith.com, and
WZAKClevland.com. Jack created, manages and blogs at his website
Inspiration-For-Singles.com. The site also serves as a platform for marketing
his self-help eBooks. He also writes and publishes western fiction under the
pen name of Calder Boone.
Education
Jack Zavada earned a Master Arts (M.A.) in
English Composition and a Bachelor Science (B.S.) in English literature, both
from Illinois State University.
Awards and Publications
Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide
to Overcoming Life's Challenges (Pine Cone Press, 1st edition, 2017)
Outsmarting Loneliness (Pine Cone Press,
2012)
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