Answer: The five points of Calvinism can be summarized by the acronym TULIP. T stands for total depravity, U for unconditional election, L for limited atonement, I for irresistible grace, and P for perseverance of the saints. Here are the definitions and Scripture references Calvinists use to defend their beliefs:
Total Depravity - As a result of Adam�s fall, the entire human race is affected; all humanity is dead in trespasses and sins. Man is unable to save himself (Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-18).
Unconditional Election - Because man is dead in sin, he is unable to initiate a response to God; therefore, in eternity past God elected certain people to salvation. Election and predestination are unconditional; they are not based on man�s response (Romans 8:29-30;9:11; Ephesians 1:4-6, 11-12) because man is unable to respond, nor does he want to.
Limited Atonement - Because God determined that certain ones should be saved as a result of God�s unconditional election, He determined that Christ should die for the elect alone. All whom God has elected and for whom Christ died will be saved (Matthew 1:21; John 10:11; 17:9; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:32; Ephesians 5:25).
Irresistible Grace - Those whom God elected He draws to Himself through irresistible grace. God makes man willing to come to Him. When God calls, man responds (John 6:37, 44; 10:16).
Perseverance of the Saints - The precise ones God has elected and drawn to Himself through the Holy Spirit will persevere in faith. None whom God has elected will be lost; they are eternally secure (John 10:27-29; Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:3-14).
While all these doctrines have a biblical basis, many people reject all or some of them. So-called �four-point Calvinists� accept Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints as biblical doctrines. Man is definitely sinful and incapable of believing in God on his own. God elects people based on His will alone � election is not based on any merit in the person chosen. All those whom God has chosen will come to faith. All those who are truly born-again will persevere in their faith. As for Limited Atonement, however, four-point Calvinists believe that atonement in unlimited, arguing that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, not just for the sins of the elect. �And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world� (1 John 2:2). Other verses in opposition to limited atonement are John 1:29; 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:6; and 2 Peter 2:1.
The five-point Calvinists, however, see problems with four-point Calvinism. First, they argue, if Total Depravity is true, then Unlimited Atonement cannot possibly be true because, if Jesus died for the sins of every person, then whether or not His death is applicable to an individual depends on whether or not that person �accepts� Christ. But as we have seen from the above description of Total Depravity, man in his natural state has no capacity whatsoever to choose God, nor does he want to. In addition, if Unlimited Atonement is true, then hell is full of people for whom Christ died. He shed His blood in vain for them. To the five-point Calvinist, this is unthinkable. Please note: this article is only a brief summary of the five points of Calvinism. For a more in in-depth look, please visit the following pages: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.
Recommended Resources: Logos Bible Software and Chosen But Free, revised edition: A Balanced View of God's Sovereignty and Free Will by Norm Geisler and The Potter's Freedom by James White.
"I assume nothing. The bible says salvation is of God from beginning to end, he starts it he completed it. I believe God and his word. I warn the uninstructed, and ignorant to the truth of God's holy infallible word."
^Not an assumption.
"If your salvation, in whole or in part, is looked upon by you as something that is dependent upon, or determined by, your will or your works, you are lost, a Christless, graceless soul, an idolater (Gal. 5:1-4)."
^Presumption. I doubt you know the will of God, and you cannot look into the book of life. Paul was murdering Christians, then He became an apostle. I can believe whatever "blasphemy" you're accusing me of and still God may save me, even if you are right.
"You may talk about God and grace, Christ and redemption, the Holy Spirit and regeneration, but you really worship yourself. Your trust is in your decision. Your confidence is in your goodness. Your peace is derived not from what Christ has done, but from what you have done."
^Assumption. You cannot read the heart. God looks on the heart.
"In your opinion the thing that separates you from the damned is not the will of God, the work of Christ and the grace of the Spirit, but your own will, your own work, and your own worth."
^Assumption. I believe it is faith, not will or work or worth. I believe I am worth nothing, with no work that I can do to save myself, and no power in my own will to save myself. I simply believe in Jesus Christ and his Sacrifice. Believe and be saved. And believe me, look up the verses. The bible is full of that quote, and stuff like this.
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing."
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
"You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!"
"But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things."
"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame."
"Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, �You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?� And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. �So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.�
�Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. �And at midnight a cry was heard: �Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!� Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, �Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.� But the wise answered, saying, �No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.� And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. �Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, �Lord, Lord, open to us!� But he answered and said, �Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.� �Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."
All of those have examples that do not support Calvinism. I freely admit, that there are some verses that do support your view, but there are so many more that clarify and support what the bible has taught me, and I believe God has been leading me into the understanding and assurance that I have now, there's really nothing else I can do.
Diet of Worms � Luther: "Unless I am convinced by the testimony of Holy Scriptures or by evident reason�for I can believe neither the Pope nor councils alone, as it is clear that they have erred repeatedly and contradicted themselves�I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis,; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus, I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one�s conscience is neither safe nor just. Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen."
"Diet of Worms � Luther: "Unless I am convinced by the testimony of Holy Scriptures or by evident reason�for I can believe neither the Pope nor councils alone, as it is clear that they have erred repeatedly and contradicted themselves�I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis,; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus, I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one�s conscience is neither safe nor just. Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen."
AMEN
Luther was following the God of the bible. You follow false teachers and there twisting of scripture. There is no scripture in the bible in its correct context that proves you have a free will. You desires are either a slave to self and your father the devil, or you have been given a new heart by the one whom has created you making you a servant of the true and living God. There is none other. The bible is very clear to the ones who seek after God and his righteousness. Those whom follow their decisions, follow self.
"And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken."
God states that we became like Him in the garden, to know both good and evil after eating from the tree. How does the creature go against the will and command of the Creator?
Dljrn04: "Pulling scripture out of context to prove tour false teachings means nothing"
You are right...but the Scriptures presented were not out of context. �I have more confidence in folks who cite Scriptures that they have researched than those who cite works of man who jump from one 'conclusion' to another and often cite no verses at all.
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John 1:7�The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
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MIGHT believe...
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John 1:11�He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
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His OWN received Him not...
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John 1:12 �But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
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Received Him...
Definition: Having been accepted as true or worthy;�generally accepted or believed
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John 7:39�(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive:for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
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John 8:24�I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins:for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
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John 11:25�Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life:he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:�
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.�Believest thou this?�
27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord:I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.�
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John 12:47�And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not:for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.�
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him:the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.�
Daniel 4:35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?"
Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision [is] from the LORD.
Exodus 6:7 I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I [am] the LORD your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
Deuteronomy 7:6 "For you [are] a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.
Matthew 23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under [her] wings, but you were not willing!
Matthew 11:27 "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
John 3:19-20 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."
{The Lord does the calling, not man}
Acts 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Romans 9:29 And as Isaiah said before: "Unless the LORD of Sabaoth had left us a seed, We would have become like Sodom, And we would have been made like Gomorrah."
{If God had not elected some to salvation, all would be lost; had God not chosen some, none would be saved.}
Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Ephesians 2:1-5 And you [He made alive], who were dead in trespasses and sins, (2) in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, (3) among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. (4) But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
{Believers are saved by God's mercy & grace, NOT by man's (freewill?) choice.}
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
1 Corinthians 4:7 For who makes you differ [from another]? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive [it], why do you boast as if you had not received [it]?
2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Psa 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Romans 10:20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Mark 10:24-27 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! (25) It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (26) And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? (27) And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Isaiah 65:12 Therefore I will number you for the sword, And you shall all bow down to the slaughter; Because, when I called, you did not answer; When I spoke, you did not hear, But did evil before My eyes, And chose [that] in which I do not delight."
Isaiah 66:4 So will I choose their delusions, And bring their fears on them; Because, when I called, no one answered, When I spoke they did not hear; But they did evil before My eyes, And chose [that] in which I do not delight."
Psalms 47:2-4 For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. (3) He will subdue the peoples under us, And the nations under our feet. (4) He will choose our inheritance for us, The excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah
Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (4) to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, (5) who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Acts 16:14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.
"And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken."
God states that we became like Him in the garden, to know both good and evil after eating from the tree. How does the creature go against the will and command of the Creator?
what bible references did you paraphrase these from Mark?
"And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken."
I'm not sure what you mean, but the verse is from Genesis 3:22.
