If you’ve ever heard of TULIP in a conversation about theology or church history, you might wonder what flowers have to do with Christianity. Spoiler alert: nothing botanical is involved.
TULIP is an acronym used to summarize five core beliefs of Calvinism, a theological system that emphasizes God’s sovereignty in salvation. Each letter stands for a foundational truth about how God saves people—according to those who hold to this view.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
T – Total Depravity
What it means:
People are born with a sinful nature. Because of that, we can’t save ourselves or even want to follow God without His help.
Think of it like this:
We’re stuck in a deep pit with no way to climb out on our own. We need someone to come rescue us.
U – Unconditional Election
What it means:
God chooses to save people—not because they’re more righteous or worthy, but simply because He loves them. It’s not based on anything we do or deserve.
Think of it like this:
It’s like God picking you for His team before you even knew there was a game being played.
L – Limited Atonement
What it means:
Jesus’ death was powerful enough to save everyone, but it was specifically intended to save those God chose.
Think of it like this:
It’s like a gift big enough for the whole world—but it’s delivered directly to a specific group.
I – Irresistible Grace
What it means:
When God decides to save someone, His grace is so powerful that it changes their heart—and they will respond.
Think of it like this:
Imagine your heart is locked. When God unlocks it, you want Him. You respond with love and faith.
P – Perseverance of the Saints
What it means:
True Christians will keep following Jesus to the end. They may stumble or struggle, but they won’t completely fall away. God finishes what He starts.
Think of it like this:
Once God begins a good work in your life, He will carry it through to completion.
So, What’s the Point of TULIP?
TULIP helps explain the Calvinist view that salvation is 100% God’s work—from beginning to end.
It’s not about being good enough, choosing God first, or keeping yourself saved through your own effort. It’s about a loving, sovereign God who saves people by grace alone.
Even if you don’t identify as a Calvinist, understanding TULIP helps you grasp key theological ideas about how salvation works, and how different Christians view God’s role in rescuing us.
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