Calvinism has long exerted theological influence over many branches of the Church, offering a systematic framework known by the acronym TULIP—Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. While the system seeks to uphold the sovereignty of God and the seriousness of sin, its rigid formulations often depart from the plain teaching of Scripture and, in doing so, distort key doctrines of salvation. Each point in the Calvinist construct contains embedded assumptions that collapse vital biblical distinctions—between depravity and inability, between God’s love and arbitrary election, between provision and application, and between faith and performance. This article aims to examine each of the five points, not out of theological sport, but out of a pastoral concern for the clarity of the gospel, the character of God, and the assurance of every believer. The truth of God’s Word is not merely to be systematized but rightly divided—and when Calvinism’s claims are laid alongside Scripture, it is evident that its conclusions must be graciously but firmly rejected.
Tag: total depravity
The Sin Nature vs. The New Nature in the Christian
Every human inherits a sin nature from Adam, which corrupts thoughts and behaviors in opposition to God (Jer 17:9; Rom 5:12). This nature manifests in both self-righteous legalism and lawless indulgence, leaving unbelievers spiritually dead and incapable of pleasing God (Rom 8:7-8; Eph 2:1-3). At salvation, believers receive a new nature, created in righteousness, yet the old sin nature remains, leading to an ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit (Rom 7:14-25; Gal 5:16-17).
Defining Salvation in the Bible
Soteriology is the study of salvation. The word soteriology is derived from the Greek words "soter" (σωτήρ), which means savior, and "logos" (λόγος), which means a word about, or the study of something. Soteriology is the sphere of systematic theology that speaks to the nature, means, scope, and purpose of salvation. It is an important theme that runs throughout Scripture and reveals the God who saves.
Total Depravity, Faith in Christ, and Regeneration
Total depravity is the biblical doctrine that sin permeates all aspects of our being—mind, will, and sensibilities. For Strict-Calvinists, total depravity means total inability. That is, lost sinners cannot respond to God at all, as they are spiritually unable (dead) to respond apart from God’s granting life and the ability to believe. However, the Biblicist takes a different view. He understands that total depravity means total unworthiness, not total inability to respond in faith to God’s offer of salvation. He sees regeneration as entirely the work of God in saving lost sinners who cannot save themselves (Rom 5:6-10). The sinner brings nothing of worth to salvation, but receives all that God has to offer by grace. Regeneration follows faith in Christ.
Original Sin
Original sin refers to Adam’s sin in the garden in which he disobeyed God (Gen. 2:16-17; 3:1-24). Adam is the head of the human race. When Adam sinned, we all sinned with him. His fallen position is our fallen position. His guilt is our guilt. The pure image of God (imago Dei) that belonged to the first couple was marred when they sinned and all Adam’s children are born with a distorted image and a proclivity toward rebellion against God (Ps. 51:5; 58:3; Eph. 2:1-3).
My Own Wickedness – by Jonathan Edwards
This is a very insightful quote by Jonathan Edwards: I have had a vastly greater sense of my own wickedness, and the badness of my heart, than ever I had before my conversion. It has often appeared to me, that if God should mark iniquity against me, I should appear the very worst of all … Continue reading My Own Wickedness – by Jonathan Edwards