Your Calvinism is Showing
I've attended many Bible Study Groups over the years, and one thing is for certain, there will be a point during one of the discussions where I'll be labeled as a Calvinist. Early on,. I had no idea what that meant, I thought I was just reading the Bible and understanding it as it was plain and simple. Turns out there was a man named John Calvin who came up an acrostic called TULIP which after reading it made me super concerned that people would label me as such.
Fast forward, now I really don't mind if people label me as such. It just show that people just don't understand things. Do some research and understand for yourself. I guess the more concerning thing is that Xians throw out labels as pejoratives.
Big picture: Calvinism emphasizes that salvation is 100% God’s work from start to finish—humans don’t initiate it, earn it, or keep it going. It’s all about God’s grace and sovereignty.
T – Total Depravity ? “Dead Battery”
Imagine a phone with a completely dead battery—it can’t turn itself back on.
- We’re spiritually dead, not just weak. Only God jump-starts the heart.
- God’s choice isn’t based on our goodness, but His mercy.
- Jesus’ death doesn’t just make salvation possible—it guarantees it for His people.
- God changes our hearts so that we freely want Him.
U – Unconditional Election ? “Adoption Papers”
Parents don’t adopt based on a child’s achievements. They choose out of love.
L – Limited/Definite Atonement ? “Targeted Rescue”
A rescue helicopter doesn’t just circle overhead—it lowers the rope for specific people.
I – Irresistible Grace ? “Magnet Pull”
A strong magnet doesn’t force metal—it naturally draws it in.
P – Perseverance/Preservation ? “Tight Grip”
If it depended on us holding God’s hand, we’d let go. But He’s holding us—and He never drops His children.
