TULIP vs. FAITH: A Free Grace Answer to Calvinism

By - Pastor Freddy Cortez, National Capital Bible Church

1. Total Depravity (T)

Calvinist Explanation:

• This doctrine asserts that because of the Fall, every aspect of human nature is corrupted by sin. Humans are spiritually dead and incapable of choosing God without divine intervention.

Scriptural Basis:

• Romans 3:10-11: "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God."

• Ephesians 2:1: "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins."

Free Grace Response:

• While sin affects human nature, individuals have the capacity to respond to God’s invitation.

• Scriptural Support: John 1:12: "But to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." This highlights human responsibility and the ability to respond to God’s call.

2. Unconditional Election (U)

Calvinist Explanation:

• Unconditional Election posits that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation based solely on His sovereign will and not on any foreseen merit.

Scriptural Basis:

• Ephesians 1:4-5: "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."

• Romans 9:15-16: "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy."

Free Grace Response:

• Salvation is offered to all, reflecting God’s inclusive love and desire for everyone to be saved.

• Scriptural Support: 1 Timothy 2:3-4: "God our Savior... wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." This emphasizes a universal invitation to salvation.

3. Limited Atonement (L)

Calvinist Explanation:

• Limited Atonement asserts that Christ’s death secured salvation specifically for the elect, being sufficient for all but effective only for those chosen.

Scriptural Basis:

• John 10:14-15: "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep... and I lay down my life for the sheep."

• Matthew 1:21: "He will save his people from their sins."

Free Grace Response:

• Christ’s atonement is universally accessible, available to anyone who believes.

• Scriptural Support: 1 John 2:2: "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." This challenges the limitation of atonement to the elect.

4. Irresistible Grace (I)

Calvinist Explanation:

• Irresistible Grace refers to the belief that the Holy Spirit’s call to the elect is powerful and effective, inevitably bringing them to faith.

Scriptural Basis:

• John 6:37: "All those the Father gives me will come to me."

• Acts 13:48: "All who were appointed for eternal life believed."

Free Grace Response:

• God’s grace can be resisted, allowing human free will to play a role in the process of faith.

• Scriptural Support: Acts 7:51: "You always resist the Holy Spirit," indicating that humans can resist divine influence.

5. Perseverance of the Saints (P)

Calvinist Explanation:

• This doctrine teaches that the elect will persevere in their faith until the end, ensuring their eternal security.

 Scriptural Basis:

• Philippians 1:6: "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion."

• John 10:28-29: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish."

Free Grace Response:

• Believers are eternally secure based on God’s promise, independent of continuous perseverance.

• Scriptural Support: John 10:28: "No one will snatch them out of my hand," underscores assurance through God’s faithfulness.

Conclusion: Free Grace Acronym - FAITH

- Free Will and Responsibility: Humans can choose to accept God’s grace (John 1:12).

- Atonement for All: Christ’s death reconciled the world to God (1 John 2:2).

- Invitation to All: Gospel is for everyone (Revelation 22:17).

- Trust in God’s Promise: Assurance based on God's faithfulness (John 10:28).

- Hope for All: God desires salvation for everyone (1 Timothy 2:3-4).

This comparison encourages a deeper understanding of these theological perspectives and their implications for belief and practice.