It is not possible to look at Calvinism as a religion unto itself, but rather one must look throughout the denominational world to different religions and see how Calvinistic bits have made their way into various circles.  Calvinism is a “here-a-little, there-a-little” type of thing, with few advocating all points of its doctrine.  In this column and the next I will try to define what Calvinism is using the following T.U.L.I.P. acrostic, and then show Bible verses which refute this doctrine.  Let it be known that the Bible soundly defeats such, but let it also be known that there is an ever-growing trend in all segments of the religious world to adopt many of its tenants.
    The first letter of the acrostic (T) stands for total depravity.  This aspect of Calvinism teaches that man is born in a sinful state.  It is said by proponents of this doctrine that the sin of Adam has been handed down in effect as an evil birthright.  James teaches us a different lesson.  In James 1:13-15 we learn that man is not born a sinner, rather he becomes a when he falls to temptation. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”  (For more information on this subject look on our web page for the answer to the question “Does Psalm 51:5 teach that man is born in sin?”)
    The second letter (U) represents unconditional election.  Calvinists believe that God has chosen only certain people (in fact a certain number) to be saved.  In other words God has predestined men to be saved or lost.  The number 144,000 will often rise in this connection.  The fact is that God has predestined a group, not individuals to be saved.  Ephesians 1:5 says that God predestined us, i.e. the church, therefore representing the collective bride of Christ.  Further evidence against this aspect of Calvinism is found in Philippians 2:12, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
    The third letter (L) stands for limited atonement.  This reverts back to the idea that only a certain number will be saved:  the 144,000.  I Timothy 2:4 provides an adequate answer for such an idea, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”  I will give my car (the blue one) to anyone who can make this doctrine and I Timothy 2:4 mesh.  If God can “choose” who He will save, and he wants all men to be saved, then isn’t any limited number (144,000, etc.) too limited.  Indeed the number in heaven will be limited, but it will not be because God deemed it so, it will be because men judged themselves unworthy to follow Him (Acts 13:46).
    The fourth letter (I) is symbolic of irresistible grace.  In other words those who are chosen to be saved could not sin if they wanted to.  The Bible plainly shows that sin enters the lives of all.  “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” wrote Paul in Romans 3:23.  And why three chapters later would he have asked the Christians in Rome if they were going to continue in sin (Romans 6:1) if being Christians they were incapable of doing any sin?  Or did the inspired Paul not realize that these were not among the elect?
    The fifth letter (P) is representative of perseverance of the saints.  We are more familiar with this doctrine as “once saved, always saved.”  In other words no saint can fall from grace.  This is similar to irresistible grace, and likewise is answered by Scripture in that the Bible plainly teaches that men can fall from grace.  Galatians 5:4 succinctly states, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.”  In Acts 8:13 we are introduced to a man named Simon who believed and was baptized.  When this man saw the power of the Holy Ghost (verses 15-18) he desired that he should purchase that gift (verse 19).   The response of Peter to this Christians is simple:  He had sinned and needed to be forgiven (verses 21,22):  “Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.”