Reformed Theology

The Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation

The Five Solas are five Latin phrases that emerged from the Protestant Reformation in 1517. They are intended to summarize the Reformers' basic theological principles in contrast to certain teachings of the Roman Catholic Church of the day. "Sola" is Latin meaning "alone" or "only." The corresponding phrases are:

1. Sola scriptura: Scripture Alone
2. Sola fide: Faith Alone
3. Sola gratia: ­­­­­­­­­­­Grace Alone
4. Solus Christus: Christ Alone
5. Soli Deo Gloria: Glory of God Alone

TULIP: The Doctrines of Grace

TULIP is known as the 5 points of Reformed Theology and also known as the 5 points of Calvinism. We believe that all five of the doctrines of grace are derived directly from the Scriptures and that the acronym TULIP accurately describes the Bible’s teaching on soteriology—the doctrine of salvation.

T- TOTAL DEPRAVITY / INABILITY: (Dead in Sin) 

Because of the fall of Adam, man is unable of himself to believe the gospel for salvation. The sinner is spiritually dead, blind, and deaf to the things of God; his heart is deceitful and desperately corrupt. His will is not free, it is in slavery to his sinful nature. (Genesis 2:15-17, Romans 5:12, Psalm 51:5, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Romans 3:10-18, Jeremiah 17:9 John 6:44, Ephesians 2:1-10)

U- UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION: (The Father Elects) 

God sovereignly chooses to save specific sinners before the foundation of the world.  His choice of saving particular sinners was not based on any foreseen response or obedience on their part, such as faith or repentance. On the contrary, God gives faith and repentance to each individual whom He selected. Therefore God’s choice of the sinner, not the sinner’s choice of Christ, is the ultimate cause of salvation. (Romans 9:10-21, Ephesians 1:4-11, Ephesians 2:4-10, Romans 8:29-30, Acts 11:18, Acts 13:48, Revelation 13:8)

L- LIMITED ATONEMENT (The Son Pays the Debt): 

Also known as particular redemption or definite atonement. Jesus’ death on the cross paid for the sins of the elect. Jesus dies for all those who will believe in Him. Christ’s redeeming work was intended to save the elect only and actually secured salvation for them. His death was a substitutionary payment of the penalty of sin in the place of specified sinners. In addition to putting away the sins of His people, Christ’s redemption secured everything necessary for their salvation.(Matthew 1:21, Romans 5:12-21, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5-6, John 10:11-30, John 17:6-12, Romans 8:28-30, John 6:44, Acts 20:28)

I- IRRESISTIBLE GRACE (The Holy Spirit Resurrects): 

The saving grace of God is effectually applied to those whom he has predestined to save (the elect) before the creation of the world. In God’s timing, he overcomes their resistance to the call of the gospel and irresistibly brings them to repentance and a saving faith in Christ. The Holy Spirit resurrects spiritually dead sinners and brings them to life. (John 3:16, Matthew 22:14, Acts 17:29-31, Matthew 23:37-39, John 6:44, Romans 8:28-30, John 1:12-13, John 3:1-8, Ephesians 2:8-10)

P- PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS: (God Keeps His People) All who were chosen by God, redeemed by Christ, and given faith by the Spirit are eternally saved. They are kept in faith by the power of Almighty God and thus persevere to the end. The elect people of God cannot lose their salvation. (John 3:16, John 6:35-40, John 6:44, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:12-13, Jude 24-25, Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 8:28-30, Romans 8:35-39)