Introduction to the Doctrines of Grace
One of the core beliefs of Christianity is that the gospel is the power of God for salvation—but what does that salvation truly involve? The Doctrines of Grace, historically captured in the acronym TULIP, outline the process of salvation from God’s sovereign initiative to His securing of the believer’s eternal destiny. These doctrines are not innovations of church tradition—they are drawn from the pages of Scripture and unfold the glory of a holy God who rescues helpless sinners by grace alone.
Understanding these truths leads to reverence, humility, and assurance. They show us a gospel that begins and ends with God, not man. They offer rest to the weary and confidence to those struggling with doubt. Most importantly, they magnify Jesus Christ and the finished work of the cross.
A Unified View of Salvation
The Doctrines of Grace work together as a theological whole, telling one cohesive story of redemption:
- Mankind is entirely broken in sin and cannot seek or please God on their own.
- God, in His mercy, chose a people to save—not because of anything they would do, but because of His own will.
- Jesus came and actually secured the salvation of these people through His death and resurrection.
- At the right time, the Spirit irresistibly draws them to Christ, overcoming their resistance and giving them a new heart.
- Those whom God saves, He sustains to the end, ensuring they will never be lost.
Let’s walk briefly through each of these five doctrines in context.
1. Total Depravity: Our Hopeless Condition
The doctrine of Total Depravity teaches that the fall of humanity was more than a moral stumble—it was a total spiritual ruin.
The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:1–3: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world... carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” This is not partial weakness, but shows a complete inability for mankind to respond to God apart from divine intervention.
Romans 3:10–12 echoes this truth: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God... no one does good, not even one.” The natural heart does not pursue God; it resists Him. Total depravity does not mean we are as evil as we could be, but that every part of us is corrupted by sin—our minds, our hearts, our will. This means that salvation must be initiated by God, not us. We don't reach out to Him until He first reaches down to us.
Implication: No part of salvation begins with human effort. We are saved because God intervenes in our deadness.
2. Unconditional Election: God’s Sovereign Choice
The Doctrine of Unconditional Election teaches that before the world began, God chose a people to be saved—not based on foreseen faith or works, but purely out of His own gracious purpose. In the book of Ephesians 1:4–5, The Apostle Paul declares, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will.” (Ephesians 1:4-5) This choice is not earned, but is rooted in God’s grace.
Romans 9 powerfully illustrates this truth when speaking of God’s selection of Jacob to carry the promised seed, over his twin brother Esau. Verse 11 explains: “though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue... she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’” And the Apostle Paul concludes in verse 16, “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” Election does not negate human responsibility or the call to faith, but it shows that the ultimate cause of salvation is God, not man, and that His choice is rooted in love, not merit.
Implication: God’s love is not earned; it is freely given, making our salvation secure and our worship deep out an appreciation for His grace.
3. Limited Atonement: Christ’s Effective Sacrifice
The Doctrine of the Limited Atonement teaches that Jesus’ death was not just a general offer—it was a specific and effective atonement. He came to save His people from their sins, not merely making salvation possible—He made it certain for His people. He says in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” He knows exactly for whom He died: “I lay down my life for the sheep... I know My own and My own know Me.” (John 10:14–15)
In Matthew 1:21, the angel tells Joseph, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) Not might save—but will save. The atonement was particular and effective. Christ didn’t die hoping some might come—He died securing the salvation of His people.
This doesn’t limit the power of Christ’s blood, but it affirms that the cross actually saves those for whom it is offered. His atonement is sufficient for all, but efficient only for the elect.
Implication: The cross did not merely make salvation possible—it accomplished it. Christ’s death guarantees the salvation of those whom the Father gave Him.
4. Irresistible Grace: God’s Transforming Call
The Doctrine of Irresistible Grace teaches that when God calls someone to Himself through the gospel, He does more than invite—He transforms. The Holy Spirit regenerates the heart, making the sinner willing and eager to come to Christ. In John 6:44, Jesus declares, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” But He also says in verse 37, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me.” God’s call is not a general persuasion—it’s a sovereign work of the Spirit, changing the heart and opening blind eyes.
Paul describes this transformation in Titus 3:5, saying, “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” This call is irresistible not because it overrides the will, but because it renews and transforms it. When this miraculous act of God occurs, the sinner sees Christ as beautiful and freely comes.
Implication: Salvation is not a cooperative effort—it is a miracle of grace that awakens the heart to love and desire God.
5. Perseverance of the Saints: God Keeps His Own
The Doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints teaches that those who are truly saved will never finally fall away. Not because they are strong, but because God is faithful in His works. Jesus gives this assurance in John 10:28–29: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
This truth and assurance is echoed by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” This helps us to understand that our salvation isn’t something we maintain, but it’s something God works and finishes. True believers may struggle or stumble throughout their lives, but they will be preserved to the end. God's preservation of His people gives assurance to all who belong to Christ—that no one can snatch them from His hand.
Implication: True believers can rest assured—they will endure, not because they are strong, but because God is faithful.
