T-U-L-I-P

T = Total Depravity

Calvinism states that man cannot seek or choose God.

The Bible says that all men are totally depraved-sin has affected every part of man's nature. However, God has enabled all men to accept or reject Him as they choose. God seeks to draw all men to Himself (John 16:6-11; Prov. 1:22-23). Examples of men seeking or choosing God: Acts 8; Acts 10; Eph. 1:13.

U = Unconditional Election

Calvinism says that God is going to save a select few, the elect, and no one else will have the opportunity to be saved.

God says, however, that He wants "all" men to be saved, Ezek. 33:11; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9; Acts 17:30; Matt. 18:14. Therefore, if God forces Himself on those He wants saved apart from their choosing, all men would be saved.

L = Limited Atonement

Calvinism says that Christ died only for the elect.

The Bible, however, teaches that Christ died for the whole world: Isa. 53:6; Rom. 3:10-27; Rom. 5:18; 1 Tim. 2:3-6; Heb. 2:9; 1 John 2:2.

I = Irresistible Grace

Calvinism proclaims that man cannot resist God.

The following passages clearly indicate that God allows men to resist Him and His grace: Prov. 1:22-23; Matt. 23:37; Acts 7:51; Acts 9:5; Israel in the Old Testament; etc.

P = Perseverance of the Saints

Calvinism states that, a man cannot be sure that he is saved unless he perseveres, (holds out to the end).

The Bible says that we can KNOW we are saved: 1 John 5:13; John 3:16; etc. It says that we do not keep ourselves saved, but that He keeps us. Heb. 13:5; John 10:27. In other words Calvinism does not believe in the eternal security of the believer. This is the exact opposite of what fundamental Baptists believe.

Bible Doctrine That Harmonizes The Will of God
and The Free Will of Man

1. God has given light to all men and seeks to draw all men to Himself: Gen. 6:3; Ps. 79:7-3; Ps. 98:2-3; Prov. 1:22-23; John 1:9; John 12:32; John 16:8; Rom. 1:18-25; Titus 2:11; 1 Tim. 2:3-6
2. Light rejected becomes darkness: Rom. 1:18-32; Rom. 9:30-33; Rom. 10:16-21; 2 Cor. 4:3-4; 2 Thess. 2:7-12. In every case, the darkness and blindness is a result of unbelief and rejection of the truth (light). God only blinds AFTER men have rejected God.
3. Man has a free will- Verses showing man choosing for or against God: Exod. 32:26; Deut. 30:19; Josh. 24:15-25; 1 Kings 18:21; Prov. 1:22-23; tea. 55:6-7; Luke 14:16-35; John 1:40-45; John 6:66-68; Acts 17:27-34; Acts 8; Acts 10.