Calvinism is somewhat of a misnomer because it suggests that John Calvin (1509-1564) invented a system of doctrine that goes by his name.  Calvin, however, was not blazing a new trail.  He was following in the path of Martin Luther 1483-1546) and Augustine (354-430).  These men of God had differences, to be sure, but what they held in common was a vision of the greatness and glory of God, who reaches down to rescue weak and sinful of men.

The so-called "Five Points of Calvinism," which I describe briefly below, were not invented by Calvin.  They are a summary of a few key doctrines that came under fire half a century after Calvin's death.  These doctrines are frequently represented by the acronym TULIP, which stands for:

Total depravity
Unconditional election
Limited atonement
Irresistible grace
Perseverance of the saints

Total Depravity

All human beings are born with a stubborn core of rebellion against God so that they have no desire to please Him, to come to Him or to trust in Christ apart from the special work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 3:9-11; 8:6-8; John 6:44).

Unconditional Election

God, knowing that all people would reject Him if left on their own, decided before He made the world that He would reach down into the lost mass of humanity and save certain ones.  God "chose" or "elected" these people not because He saw that they would be better than others or because He foresaw that they would have faith.  To the contrary, He foresaw that they would not have faith unless He chose them (Psalm 14:2-3; Acts 13:48; Ephesians 1:3-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).

Limited Atonement

God sent His only begotten Son into the world to pay the penalty of sin on behalf of the men and women whom He had previously determined to save.  The death of  Christ is not limited in its value, for it is infinitely precious.  His death is not limited in its appeal, for "God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent" (Acts 17:30).  It is limited in only one sense.  When Jesus died, He gave His life specifically for His own sheep, those who believe in His name (John 10:14-15, 26-30).  He gave Himself up for His church (Ephesians 5:25-27).  He "bore our sins in His body on the cross" (1 Peter 1:24).  Jesus died to fulfill His Father's purpose.  He died to save those whom the Father had chosen.

Irresistible Grace

God's kind intention to save a person can never be frustrated or thwarted.  Therefore, He sends His Holy Spirit to change the hearts of the rebels He has determined to save.  The Holy Spirit gives them a fresh sight of Christ so that they willingly turn to Him and trust Him as their Savior (John 6:37; 44; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:4-6).  Irresistible grace does not mean God drags the unwilling into His kingdom, but that He makes the unwilling willing to come.

Perseverance of the Saints

In order to be saved, a sinner must believe in Jesus Christ and continue in that faith for the rest of his life (1 Corinthians 15:1-2;Hebrews 10:35-39).  No one is strong enough or faithful enough to maintain a life-long trust in Christ by himself, but God has promised to enable all of His true children to persevere.  We are kept by the power and promises of God (John 6:38-39; Romans 8:28-39; 1 Peter 1:3-5).

What does this mean to you?

These doctrines give great encouragement to the trembling sinner.  Perhaps you are wondering whether God will receive you if you come to Him.  The answer is definitely, "Yes!"  Jesus said, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out" (John 6:37).  When you come to Christ and ask Him to save you from your sins, you are fulfilling God's plan for your life.  You would never turn to Christ if God the Father had not already given you to His beloved Son.  So come to Him with confidence that He will receive you.

These doctrines also give great encouragement to the troubled Christian.  My brother, my sister, when you feel weak and unworthy, do not be afraid that God will desert you.  He did not choose you in the first place because you were better than other people.  He is not depending on your faithfulness.  You, however, can depend on His faithfulness.  He chose you before you were born; He sent His Son to die specifically for you;  He drew you to Himself by His holy Spirit.  If you have sinned grievously, take courage.  Repent of your sin, take up your cross, and follow Jesus, being confident that "He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).