TULIP: The Five Points of Calvinism - Also Known as the Reformed Faith

THE FIVE POINTS OF CALVINISM
The Reformed faith often is associated with what are called the "five points of Calvinism." A truth named after John Calvin but clearly taught in Holy Scripture. Those "five points" by no means exhaust the Reformed faith. Nevertheless, these do mark a distinct difference between it and Arminianism which has infected most fundamentalist churches.

The five points are remembered by many through the use of the acrostic: TULIP. The "T" is for total depravity. This is the Scriptural teaching that man is born dead in sins, unable and unwilling to any good whatsoever (Rom. 3:10). All are guilty of the first sin of Adam Rom 5:12). All only transgress the law of God by nature (Rom. 3:23). From this follows several conclusions. One cannot "offer" to a dead sinner salvation in Christ. Nor can such an one be "invited" to accept Christ or admit Him into his heart. His state is such that spiritual activity is impossible on his part.

The "U" represents unconditional election. From before the foundation of the world, God has chosen unto Himself a people in Christ (Eph. 1:4). Together with this fact, God also has determined to cast others into hell in the way of their sins (Rom. 9:21-22). That this eternal election is "unconditional" means that God chose not because He foresaw that one would believe, but that one believes because God chose him (John 10:26; Rom. 8:29-30).

The "L" represents limited atonement. The atonement is the payment made by Christ for the sins of His people (Matt. 1:21). That it is "limited" is not to teach that Christ's atonement lacks anything. Rather, this presents the Scriptural fact that atonement is limited to God's elect or chosen ones (John 6:44).

The "I" speaks of irresistible grace. This emphasizes that when God draws His people unto Himself, they do and will come (John 6:37). They come not involuntarily, but willingly. Nevertheless, His grace is of such power that the will of His elect is made subservient to His will.

The "P" is preservation of saints. This means that one who is chosen, called, and drawn to Jesus Christ, will also remain in the faith and will surely be brought to glory. These saints can sin grievously and fall for a time into certain sins. But God brings them back to Himself. Those for whom Christ died will surely be saved (Phil. 1:6; Rom. 8:29-30).