TULIP | Limestone Church of Christ

August 18, 2013September 29, 2025

TULIP Doctrines: Exposing the Perseverance of the Saints

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

In their book The Five Points of Calvinism, Steele & Thomas capably state the Calvinist belief of the perseverance of thhe saints. They have written:

The doctrine of perseverance of the saints does not maintain that all who profess the Christian faith are certain of heaven. It is saints—those who are set apart by the Spirit—who persevere to the end. …Many who profess to believe fall away, but they do not fall from grace for they were never in grace. True believers do fall into temptations, and they do commit grievous sins, but these sins do not cause them to lose their salvation or separate them from Christ.

August 11, 2013September 29, 2025

TULIP Doctrines: What Is the Perseverance of the Saints?

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

Calvinism is a neat package that flows from one doctrine to the next. If we are born depraved (T), then it makes sense that we are powerless to come to God and must be selected by Him (U). And if He selects those who are saved, it makes sense that Jesus died for them and not those whwo God rejected (L). If God has chosen an individual, it makes sense that they would not be able to reject His choice (I). And, if God has chosen that one and showered His grace upon them, then surely there is nothing that can thwart God’s decision (P). Indeed, it is a solid argument, from start to finish. The only problem, not a shred of it is from the Bible.

August 4, 2013September 29, 2025

TULIP Doctrines: Exposing Irresistible Grace

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

Does the Bible teach irresistible grace? Supporters of Calvinism believe it does. Today we’ll look at their “proof texts.”

PSALM 65:4
Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple.

I’m sure Calvinists who use this believe they have found a slam dunk verse for their cause. How more plain could it be? The problem is they’ve pulled it out of context. In this Psalm, David is extolling those who serve at the temple (priests), not the doctrine of irresistible grace. Incidentally, v 2 speaks about all flesh (not a select group) coming to the Lord.

July 28, 2013September 29, 2025

TULIP Doctrines: What is Irresistible Grace?

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

The fourth tenet of Calvinism is discussed by Steele & Thomas in The Points of Calvinism in the following way:

Although the general outward call of the gospel can be, and often is, rejected, the special inward call of the Spirit never fails to result in the conversion of those to whom it is made. This special call is not made to all sinners but is issued to the elect only. The Spirit is in no way dependant upon their help or cooperation for success … the grace which the Holy Spirit extends to the elect cannot be thwarted or refused, it never fails to bring them to true faith in Christ.

July 21, 2013September 29, 2025

TULIP Doctrines: Exposing Limited Atonement

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

The proponents of Calvin’s doctrine of Limited Atonement believe that the Bible supports the teaching. Herein we will look at some of the texts which are used as proof.

Matthew 20:28
“…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Was Jesus limiting the scope of atonement in this text? Saying that many (not all) will be ransomed is not the same as saying the atonement is not available to all. As we noted last week, the grace of God which brings salvation has appeared to all (Titus 2:11), but not all are willing to deny ungodliness and live righteously (v 12).

July 14, 2013September 29, 2025

TULIP Doctrines: What is Limited Atonement?

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

Merriam-Webster aptly defines the word atonement as:

…the reconciliation of God and humankind through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. (m-w.com)

Eddie K. Garrett, a Primitive Baptist elder affirmed:

We believe that God has an elect people whom he has chosen unto eternal salvation. We believe that the atonement of Christ was for that chosen number and no one else. (The Christian Baptist, 1972)

July 7, 2013September 29, 2025

TULIP Doctrines: Exposing Unconditional Election

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

Every false doctrine has a series of Bible verses that are pulled together as support. Today we will examine the proof texts used to support the TULIP doctrine of Unconditional Election.

Ephesians 1:4, “…just as He choses us in Him before the foundation of the world…”

This and other texts speak of God choosing us from the foundation of the world or from the beginning (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Apart from their context, such verses might lend validity to the Calvinist position, but a text out of context is a pretext.

June 30, 2013September 29, 2025

TULIP Doctrines: What Is Unconditional Election?

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

This TULIP doctrine is perhaps better known as Predestination. It is introduced by the Westminster Confession in this way:

God from all eternity did by thhe most wise and holy counsel of his own will freely and unchangeably ordain what soever comes to pass…

June 9, 2013September 29, 2025

What is the TULIP Doctrine? A Simple Introduction

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

Though John Calvin was not a gardener (at least to the best of my knowledge he wasn’t), he is credited with planting, grooming and sharing with the world what has become to many an extremely cherished tulip. However, you will not find this tulip planted in a botanical garden somewhere; it won’t be in your neighbour’s backyard—Calvin’s tulip is a doctrinal system which has taken root in the hearts of believers throughout the world. Unfortunately, it is not a beautiful flower, but a destructive weed which has led many away from the truth of God’s word.