Refuting Calvinist Doctrine -- TULIP


Here is a basic outline refuting the main points of TULIP, the acronym of the doctrine in Calvinism:


T-total depravity

·       There is depravity in man, but not “total depravity” such that he could not willfully choose to have faith in Jesus. God gave all people free will.

o   Romans 10:8-10 (to be saved we must believe in Jesus from the heart—it’s OUR choice)

 U-unconditional election

·       There is election, but not “unconditional election” where the will of humans has no place in where they’ll go for eternity. People are elected for their faith, not elected to have faith. God has foreknowledge of who will believe but He doesn’t make them believe.

o   1 Peter 1:2 “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God…”

o   1 Timothy 2:4 (God desires all to be saved. The only thing stopping anyone’s salvation is THEIR OWN unbelief.)

 L-limited atonement

·       There is atonement, but not “limited atonement.” According to the Bible Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. The cross of Christ is able to save any soul who will put their faith in Him, because He already paid their sin debt.

o   1 Timothy 2:6, 1 John 2:2, John 3:16 (“that WHOSOEVER believes…”)

 I- irresistible grace

·       There is grace, but not “irresistible grace” where God’s move to regenerate a person can’t be resisted by that person’s will. The grace of God is an offer that one must receive by faith, and then God will regenerate them after. Life begins with faith in the cross, not life preceding faith in the cross.

o   John 3:19 (For the unsaved, they intentionally refused to believe in Jesus, not that God refused to give them faith. They resisted God’s grace.)

 P-perseverance of the saints

·       Perseverance of the saints as described in the Bible: a believer’s persistence of faith in the face of persecution and tribulation, greatly assisted and strengthened by God. Also it is still possible for one to fall away from the faith as noted in these scriptures below, (I believe this happens through persistent rebellion or outright denial of Jesus, or both).

o   Heb 3:12, 1 Tim 4:1, 2 Thes 2:3

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