TULIP

TULIP is the common acronym summarizing the five points of Calvinism (as defined by the Canons of Dort in 1618–1619). It stands for:

• T – Total Depravity
  Every part of human nature is affected by sin. People are unable to save themselves or even seek God on their own without divine intervention.
• U – Unconditional Election
  God chooses (elects) certain people for salvation based solely on His own will and purpose, not on any foreseen faith, works, or merit in them.
• L – Limited Atonement (also called Particular Redemption)
  Christ’s death on the cross effectively secured salvation specifically for the elect, not merely making it possible for everyone.
• I – Irresistible Grace
  When God calls the elect to salvation through the Holy Spirit, that call cannot ultimately be resisted; it effectively brings them to faith.
• P – Perseverance of the Saints
  Those whom God has elected and saved will persevere in faith to the end and cannot finally fall away from salvation.

These five points were formulated in response to the Arminian Remonstrance and remain a classic summary of distinctive Reformed/Calvinist soteriology (doctrine of salvation). Note that not every person or church that identifies as “Reformed” or “Calvinist” holds all five points in exactly the same way, and some prefer alternative phrasing or emphases.