what is calvinism in simple terms

11 months ago 31

Calvinism is a set of beliefs and doctrines that originated from the teachings of John Calvin and other preachers of the Reformation era. Here is a simple explanation of Calvinism in terms of its history, beliefs, and tenets:

History: Calvinism is a Protestant denomination that broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century. It is associated with the 1619 Synod of Dort, which was an important international council that dealt with the doctrines of predestination and divine election in salvation.
Beliefs: A central belief of Calvinism is predestination, which is the idea that God has already chosen who will be saved and go to heaven. Calvinism also teaches the doctrines of total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.
Tenets: The five points of Calvinism can be summarized by the acronym TULIP. 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.
- Unconditional Election: 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.
- Limited Atonement: Christ’s redeeming work was intended to save the elect only and actually secured salvation for them. His death was a substitutionary endurance of the penalty of sin in the place of certain specified sinners.
- Irresistible Grace: When God calls his elect into salvation, they cannot resist. God offers to all people the gospel message. This is called the external call. But to the elect, God extends an internal call and it cannot be resisted.
- Perseverance of the Saints: You cannot lose your salvation. Because the Father has elected, the Son has redeemed, and the Holy Spirit has applied salvation, those thus saved are eternally secure.