Calvinism

Protestant Christian theology founded by John Calvin. The beliefs of Calvinism are traditionally summarised in the so-called five points, which form the mnemonic TULIP:

• Total Depravity: the belief that nothing humans can do is good enough for God; all our good deeds are but filthy rags in God's sight.
• Unconditional Election: God chooses some to be saved, and others to be damned, irregardless of what they have done or how deserving they are.
• Limited Atonement: Jesus died only for those who would be saved, not for those destined for Hell.
• Irresistible Grace: The saving grace? of God is irresistible; once God has chosen you to be saved, it is impossible to resist
• Perseverance of the Saints: the saved, or Saints, cannot fall away; once saved, always saved.

Some Calvinists, sometimes called four-point Calvinists, reject the doctrine of limited atonement.

Contrast with Arminianism.