Title: "The Five Points of Calvinism: God’s Grace in Salvation"

Title: "Title: "The Five Points of Calvinism: God’s Grace in Salvation"" Subtitle: "Understanding TULIP and Its Roots" Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.” Note: "Today, we’ll explore how God saves us by His grace alone."

Why the Five Points Started

A Response to Debate

In the early 1600s, Arminians (followers of Jacobus Arminius) challenged Reformed teachings.

They wrote 5 points in 1610, emphasizing human choice in salvation.

The Synod of Dort (1618-1619) answered with 5 points: TULIP.

Purpose: Uphold God’s sovereignty and g

race, as in the 1689 Confession. Scripture: Romans 11:36 – “For from him and through him and to him are all things.” Note: "This is about who gets the glory—God or us."

Conditional Election

Unlimited Atonement

Sinfulness Capable of being overcome

Resistible Grace

Precariousness of the Saints

T - Total Depravity

Total Depravity: Sin’s Full Impact

Meaning: Sin corrupts every part of us; we can’t choose God on our own.

Scriptures:

Genesis 6:5 – “Every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Romans 3:10-12 – “None is righteous, no, not one… no one seeks for God.”

Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.” Note: "Sin leaves us helpless—but God doesn’t."

U - Unconditional Election

Unconditional Election: God’s Free Choice

Meaning: God chooses who is saved, not based on what we do.

Scriptures:

Ephesians 1:4-5 – “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world.”

Romans 9:11 – “Though they were not yet born and had done nothing… God’s purpose of election might continue.”

Deuteronomy 7:7-8 – “It was not because you were more in number… but because the Lord loved you.” Contrast: Arminian Conditional Election – God chooses based on foreseen faith. Note: "God’s love picks us, not our works."

L - Limited Atonement

Limited Atonement: Christ’s Death for the Elect

Meaning: Jesus died to save His chosen people, not everyone.

Scriptures:

John 10:11 – “I lay down my life for the sheep.”

Matthew 1:21 – “He will save his people from their sins.”

Isaiah 53:11 – “By his knowledge shall the righteous one… make many to be accounted righteous.” Contrast: Arminian Unlimited Atonement – Christ died for all, but it’s only effective if accepted. Note: "The cross secures salvation, not just offers it."

I - Irresistible Grace

Irresistible Grace: God’s Call Wins

Meaning: When God calls His elect, they come to Him.

Scriptures:

John 6:37 – “All that the Father gives me will come to me.”

Romans 8:30 – “Those whom he called he also justified.”

Ezekiel 36:26-27 – “I will give you a new heart… and cause you to walk in my statutes.” Contrast: Arminian Resistible/Prevenient Grace – God’s grace can be rejected; it only enables faith. Note: "God’s call changes hearts—it doesn’t fail."

P - Perseverance of the Saints

Perseverance of the Saints: God Keeps Us

Meaning: Those God saves, He holds forever.

Scriptures:

Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.”

John 10:28-29 – “No one will snatch them out of my hand.”

1 Peter 1:5 – “Kept by the power of God through faith for salvation.” Contrast: Arminian Precariousness of the Saints – Believers can fall away and lose salvation. Note: "God’s grip on us is stronger than our stumbles."

God’s Grace from Genesis to Revelation

Total Depravity: Genesis 6:5 (sin’s start).

Unconditional Election: Deuteronomy 7:7-8 (Israel chosen).

Limited Atonement: Isaiah 53:11 (for the ‘many’).

Irresistible Grace: Ezekiel 36:26 (new heart given).

Perseverance: 1 Peter 1:5 (kept to the end). Scripture: Psalm 115:1 – “Not to us, O Lord… but to your name give glory.”

TULIP for New Believers

Comfort: Our salvation rests on God, not us.

Confidence: He chose us, died for us, and keeps us.

Call: Trust Him and share His grace with others. Scripture: Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of works… but according to his own mercy.” Note: "This is good news—God does it all!"