TULIP is the 5 letter acronym that Reformed theologians use to explain the doctrine of Predestination. For those who aren't familiar with TULIP, I will give you a quick overview:
T-Total Depravity. Through Adam, we are all born with a sin nature. We are not as sinful as we possibly can be, but every part of our being is tainted by sin. Because of this, we don't seek God unless he first works to regenerate our hearts. Without God's intervention we would never seek him.
U- Unconditional Election. God chose certain people before the foundation of the world to be saved based upon nothing that they have done or ever will do to deserve his mercy. It was exclusively based on the sovereign will of God.
L- Limited Atonement. Christ died only for the elect. Thus, his atonement was actual and not merely potential.
I- irresistible Grace. The elect can't resist the redemptive, regenerative grace poured out upon them by God.
P- Perseverance of the Saints. Those that God elected unto salvation will persevere in the faith. They can not lose their salvation.
I recently commented on a post at a blog called He lives about the fruitfulness of vocally proclaiming a doctrine such as this that emphasizes that God does not love everyone. In what way does this doctrine further the cause of Christ? How do you effectively preach the gospel of Jesus Christ if you truly believe that God created some people that he would never enable to believe in him for salvation? Is this the kind of God that the bible portrays? I am open to points of view on both sides of the issue. Just keep it civil, please! : )
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
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