Calvinism is most commonly defined in terms of the acronym TULIP:
Total Depravity – All humanity is dead in trespasses and sins. Man is unable to save himself or to think or do anything truly ‘good’
Unconditional Election – Because man is dead in sin, he is unable to initiate a relationship with God. Therefore, in eternity past, God elected certain people to salvation. Election and predestination are unconditional and are not based on man’s merits or response because man is unable to respond, nor does he want to.
Limited Atonement – Because God determined that certain people should be He determined that Christ should die for the elect alone. All whom God have elected and therefore for whom Christ died will be saved.
Irresistible Grace – Those whom God elected He draws to Himself through irresistible grace. God makes man willing to come to Him.
Perseverance of the Saints – The ones whom God has elected and drawn to Himself will persevere in faith. None whom God has elected will be lost.
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