MAINSTREAM MESSENGER
Vol. 2, No. 5 November 1999 Editor: Bruce Prescott
SBC Seminaries Certifying Calvinism
Five point Calvinism is enjoying a resurgence at Southern Seminary and Midwestern Seminary where Calvinist presidents have loaded faculties with professors committed to that theological perspective.
Few lay people know much about Calvinism. Here’s a synopsis of the theology. Look for more detailed explanations of Calvinism in future issues of the Mainstream Messenger.
The five points of Calvinism are most easily remembered by use of the TULIP acronym.
T = total depravity. Sin has completely defaced the image of God in humanity. Sin makes us incapable of responding to God’s love.
U = unconditional election. God chose some to be saved (the elect) with no regard to merit. Salvation is not received by faith as a response to God’s love.
L = limited atonement. Christ did not die for everyone. His atonement was limited to the elect. Some people are predestined to be “damned.”
I = irresistible grace. God’s grace overwhelms the will and desire of those who are saved. Faith is not the response of a free will.
P = perseverance of the saints. The salvation of the elect is eternally secure.
Mainstream Baptists oppose several aspects of Calvinism. See our resolution affirming the unlimited atonement.