The Doctrines of Grace. A Beautiful Truth.

A Defense of the Doctrines of Grace: Reformed Theology's Biblical Foundation

The Doctrines of Grace, also known as the Five Points of Calvinism, are a summary of Reformed theology’s understanding of salvation as outlined in Scripture. These doctrines encapsulate the biblical teaching that salvation is entirely the work of God, from beginning to end. They are often remembered by the acronym TULIP, representing Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.

While these doctrines are sometimes misunderstood or misrepresented, they provide a powerful, biblical view of God’s sovereignty in salvation and His unrelenting grace toward His people. In this blog, we will defend each of the five points, demonstrating that they are not only rooted in Scripture but also essential for a proper understanding of God's plan for redemption.

1. Total Depravity: Humanity’s Radical Corruption

Total Depravity does not mean that people are as sinful as they could be in every action, but it asserts that every part of human nature is affected by sin. This means that apart from God’s intervention, human beings are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1–3) and incapable of seeking or choosing God on their own (Romans 3:10–12). Sin has distorted every aspect of our being—our minds, wills, emotions, and desires.

Biblically, this doctrine finds its foundation in passages like Romans 3:23, which states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” It affirms that humans are in a state of spiritual rebellion against God, and that without divine intervention, we remain enslaved to sin (John 8:34).

The implication of Total Depravity is that no one can come to God in their own strength or merit. Salvation must be initiated by God, as humans are powerless to make the first move. This leads us to the next doctrine: Unconditional Election.

2. Unconditional Election: God’s Sovereign Choice

Unconditional Election teaches that God, before the foundation of the world, chose certain individuals to be saved, not based on any foreseen merit, faith, or good works, but solely because of His gracious will (Ephesians 1:4–5). Election is not conditioned on anything in the person but is entirely an act of God’s sovereign grace.

Romans 9:11–13 powerfully illustrates this truth in the example of Jacob and Esau: “...though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of Him who calls—[God] said, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ As it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’” This passage emphasizes that God's choice is independent of human effort or achievement.

Unconditional Election does not mean that God is arbitrary. It means that His decision to save is based on His own good pleasure and mercy, ensuring that salvation is completely by grace, not by works (2 Timothy 1:9). This doctrine magnifies God's grace and ensures that the ultimate cause of our salvation is His unchangeable purpose, not our inconsistent wills.

3. Limited Atonement: Christ’s Definite Redemption

The doctrine of Limited Atonement, sometimes called Particular Redemption, teaches that Christ's death was intended to save the elect specifically and not all people universally. This does not mean that Christ’s death was insufficient for all, but that His atonement was effectual for those whom God had chosen.

Scripture teaches that Jesus’ death was not merely a potential salvation for all, but a definite redemption for His people. In John 10:15, Jesus says, “I lay down my life for the sheep,” clearly distinguishing His sacrifice for a specific group of people—those whom the Father had given Him (John 6:37–39). Similarly, Ephesians 5:25 explains that Christ “gave himself up for” the church, emphasizing that His work on the cross was particularly directed toward those God had chosen.

This doctrine ensures that the atonement is fully effective and not wasted. Christ’s death perfectly accomplishes what it was intended to do—saving those whom God predestined to eternal life. Far from limiting God’s love, this doctrine magnifies the power and certainty of Christ’s atonement.

4. Irresistible Grace: God’s Effectual Call

Irresistible Grace refers to the teaching that when God calls a person to salvation, this call is effectual—it results in the person coming to faith. While humans are resistant to God by nature (Romans 8:7–8), God’s grace is powerful enough to overcome our resistance and bring us to repentance and faith.

John 6:44 states, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him,” indicating that human beings do not come to Christ on their own initiative but must be drawn by God. Likewise, Acts 16:14 describes how God “opened” Lydia’s heart so that she responded to Paul’s message, illustrating that the work of salvation begins with God’s initiative.

The doctrine does not mean that people are forced against their will to believe. Instead, God changes the hearts of the elect so that they willingly and joyfully respond to the gospel. Ezekiel 36:26–27 captures this beautifully: “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. ... And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” God transforms the hardened heart and makes it receptive to His grace.

5. Perseverance of the Saints: The Security of Salvation

Perseverance of the Saints teaches that those whom God has elected and regenerated by His Spirit will persevere in faith until the end. They cannot lose their salvation because it is God who keeps them secure (John 10:28–29). This doctrine assures believers that their salvation is not dependent on their own ability to remain faithful but on God’s faithfulness to preserve them.

Philippians 1:6 provides great encouragement: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” This means that the God who initiates salvation will also sustain and complete it. Similarly, in Romans 8:30, Paul writes, “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Notice the unbreakable chain from predestination to glorification—none of those whom God saves are lost.

The assurance of perseverance does not negate the necessity of holiness or good works in the Christian life. Reformed theology teaches that true faith produces good works as a result of regeneration (Ephesians 2:10). But it is God’s power, not human effort, that guarantees a believer’s final perseverance.

Conclusion: Grace from Start to Finish

The Doctrines of Grace provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of the gospel, showing that from beginning to end, salvation is the work of God. Humans are incapable of saving themselves, and God alone initiates, sustains, and completes the work of redemption.

These doctrines elevate God’s sovereignty and grace while humbling human pride. They remind us that salvation is a gift, not something we can earn or deserve. Total Depravity shows us our need for grace, Unconditional Election reveals God's gracious choice, Limited Atonement guarantees that Christ’s sacrifice was effective for the elect, Irresistible Grace assures us that God’s call is powerful and effective, and Perseverance of the Saints gives us the confidence that God will keep us until the end.

The beauty of these doctrines lies in the fact that they provide assurance, comfort, and hope. God is not a distant observer, leaving humanity to figure out salvation on their own. Instead, He is actively involved, from electing a people to bringing them home to Himself in glory. For those who embrace these doctrines, they offer a vision of salvation that is truly all of grace, glorifying God for His sovereign mercy and love.