An Examination of TULIP

Total Depravity

Arminianism
Though morally hurt by sin in Eden, man still has a free will to choose to obey God. Sin has not corrupted his ability or desire to cooperate with God. He can and must obey savingly before God will regenerate him.

Calvinism
Man’s nature is corrupt due to his sin in Eden. He lost his ability and desire to choose good. He will not and cannot please God by nature. He must be given a new nature by God to choose righteousness.

God’s Truth
Same as Calvinism.

God’s Proof
Gen 2:17; Rom 5:12; 1 Cor 2:14; Eph 2:1-3; Rom 3:10-12; Rom 8:7-8; Jer 13:23; John 8:47.

Unconditional Election

Arminianism
God chose those He saw would believe for eternal life. Election is based on man’s choice, whose ability is in his remaining free will and goodness. God wants all men to be saved and would never choose only some.

Calvinism
God chose some men to eternal life by His own will. When He considered mankind, God saw only sin and no faith or good works. It is God’s choice and not the sinner’s that is the basis of salvation.

God’s Truth
Same as Calvinism.

God’s Proof
Ps 14:1-3; 1 Peter 1:2; Rom 8:28-33; Rom 9:11,22; Act 13:48; 2 The 2:13;
John 17:2; Rom 11:7

Limited Atonement

Arminianism
Christ died for all men. His death did not save any for certain, but only made salvation possible for all who will obey. He paid for all the sins of all men, but they must believe or obey to realize the benefits of His death.

Calvinism
Christ died for those the Father chose to salvation. He died in substitution for them only. He secured all spiritual blessings for the elect, and they shall never perish or even one be lost.

God’s Truth
Same as Calvinism.

God’s Proof
Mat 1:21; John 10:11; 1 Pet 1:2; Rom 8:32-33; Eph 5:25; John 6:39; Heb 9:15; Rom 5:10.

Irresistable Grace

Arminianism
The Spirit convicts all men, but only some obey Him to receive regeneration. Sinners may easily resist this operation of grace. Until they cooperate, God cannot and will not quicken against their resisting free will.

Calvinism
The Spirit powerfully works to bring the elect to conversion. Faith and repentance are God’s gifts, and they cannot resist the Spirit’s work. All of the elect will believe and obey the gospel.

God’s Truth
God regenerates the elect from death in sins by His power. Man is totally passive in his quickening and cannot resist. The born again child may resist gospel conversion, but his salvation to heaven is sure. The gospel is for peace and assurance now, not regeneration.

God’s Proof
Eph 1:19; Eph 2:1-5; John 3:8; John 5:21, John 5:25-29; 1 Peter 1:2; Titus 3:5; Jam 5:19-20; Luk 22:32.

Perseverance Of the Saints

Arminianism
In order to be finally saved, a sinner must continue in faith and good works. Some hold that once saved there is no chance of falling, but many argue that losing one’s grace does occur for every sin after conversion.

Calvinism
All who were chosen by God, bought by Christ, and given faith by the Spirit shall be eternally saved. They are kept in faith and holiness by the power of God and thus all persevere to the end.

God’s Truth
God preserves His saints, but He does not make them persevere in faith and obedience. Faith may be weak and even lost at times by the elect, yet God is faithful. His faith is the basis of their final preservation. Paul and Lot are eternally saved alike by God’s grace.

God’s Proof
1 The 5:23-24; Gal 1:6; Gal 3:1; Gal 4:19; Gal 5:4; Heb 6:17-20; Rom 8:28-39; 2 Pet 2:7-8; 2 Tim 4:18

On this day...

• Isaiah 5 - 2023
• Isaiah 4 - 2023
• Hebrews 1:14 - 2011
• ELOI, ELOI LAMA SABACHTANI! - 2010
• THE FEAR OF GOD, AND THE PRIDE OF MAN - 2010
• CONSECRATION - 2010
• CREATION - 2010
• NAVIGATING THE EMERGING CHURCH HIGHWAY-Driscoll - 2010
• Faith in progress - 2010
• Separation from God - 2009