T.U.L.I.P. or W.E.E.D.S.?

SOURCE

TULIP

Total Depravity

Mankind is spiritually dead and
under the dominion of sin
(Ephesians 2:1-3; John 8:34).
None can of his own will come
to Christ for salvation (John
5:40; 6:65). None has faith
unless God graciously bestows
it (Ephesians 2:8).


Unconditional Election
God the Father has graciously
chosen and predestined to
salvation some of our fallen
(2 Thessalonians 2:13;
Ephesians 1:3-6). His choice
was in no way conditioned
upon foreseen good or merit in
the chosen ones. (John 15:16).

Limited Atonement
Jesus Christ died as the substitute
of God's elect, forever redeeming
and forgiving them (Isaiah 53:4-6,8b;
Ephesians 1:7). He did not die for any
who will die in unbelief
(John 10:11,26),

Irresistible Grace
God will not be thwarted in
His purpose of salvation
(Daniel 4:35). Every one of
His chosen and redeemed sinners
will be brought to saving faith in
Jesus Christ (John 6:37,45; Romans 8:29f).

Perseverance of the Saints*
God preserves in salvation all
believers in Christ, and none
will ever perish (John 3:16;
10:28f). And He enables them
to persevere to the end, so
none will be lost (Jeremiah 32.,40;
Romans 8:35-39)

WEEDS


Will of Man Is Free
Mankind is influenced by sin, but
not under its dominion, as all yet
have free will and the ability to
determine their own destiny.
Anyone can of his own free will
come to Christ for salvation. All
men have faith, but not all will to
exercise it.
Election Is Conditional
Election to salvation involves both
the sinner choosing God and God
choosing the sinner. God's choice
was conditioned upon man's
choice, as God chose in eternity
past those whom He foresaw in
time believing in Jesus Christ for
salvation.

Every Man Is Redeemed
Jesus Christ died for every one,
paying the price of redemption
for them all. But this does not
guarantee their forgiveness, as many
of His redeemed will be
eventually damned because of unbelief.


Denial Confounds Grace
The sovereignty of God does not
extend to His salvation, as man's
will can here thwart God's purpose.
God is trying to save every sinner,
but He is helpless to save any
sinner who will not let Him.

Some Will Lose Salvation
God cannot preserve in salvation
those who of their own free will
refuse to be preserved, Those
believers who do not remain
faithful to the very end will lose
their salvation, "fall from grace,"
and eventually perish.


*For the record, I believe that "salvation" in this context occurs at the point of the believer's "glorification" (being changed from corruptible to incorruptible, going home to be with the Lord) and, in that context, God does indeed preserve His saints.