Calvinism
A view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching that salvation is wholly God's work, from His choosing of sinners before creation to His keeping them to the end.
Also called: Calvinist, TULIP, doctrines of grace, five points of Calvinism, Reformed soteriology
What it means
Calvinism takes its name from the Reformer John Calvin, though its teaching is older, going back to Augustine and, its holders argue, to Paul. It was summarized at the Synod of Dort (1618-19) in five points, often remembered as TULIP: total depravity, unconditional election, limited (or definite) atonement, irresistible grace (or effectual calling), and the perseverance of the saints.
Its heart is that God saves sinners. Fallen people cannot turn to God on their own. God freely chose whom He would save, not because of anything foreseen in them. Christ died to secure their salvation. The Spirit makes them alive and draws them to faith. And God keeps them so that none are lost. Calvinists insist that people are fully responsible for their choices and that the gospel must be freely offered to all.
This is the teaching of the Westminster and 1689 London Baptist confessions and of the Canons of Dort, and it is the position of this site's owner. Many faithful Christians hold other views on these questions, and the site treats this as an area of real disagreement among orthodox believers.
In Scripture
God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world and predestined us for adoption.
It does not depend on human desire or effort, but on God who shows mercy.
All the Father gives to Christ will come to Him, and He will never cast them out.
All who were appointed to eternal life believed.
Those God foreknew, He predestined, called, justified, and glorified.
History
Summarized in the Canons of Dort (1618-19) in answer to the Remonstrants.
Where it comes up
Confessions: WCF 3; WCF 10; LBCF 1689 3; Canons of Dort
On this site: Sovereignty & human responsibility
Related terms
Total depravityHistoric orthodoxy
Sin has affected every part of fallen human nature, so that no one can turn to God or please Him without His grace.
Unconditional electionA view held among orthodox Christians
Before creation God chose particular people to save, out of His free grace and not because of any faith or goodness He foresaw in them.
Definite atonementA view held among orthodox Christians
Christ died with the intention of actually securing the salvation of those the Father gave Him, and His death will save every one of them.
Effectual callingA view held among orthodox Christians
God's Spirit inwardly calls the elect in a way that certainly brings them to faith, by renewing their hearts so that they come to Christ willingly.
ArminianismA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that God, by grace, enables every person to respond to the gospel, and elects to salvation those He foresees will freely believe.
Four-point CalvinismA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that affirms total depravity, unconditional election, effectual calling, and perseverance, but holds that Christ died for all people rather than for the elect only.