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Jesus said that HE LOSES NONE that the Father gives to Him!!!! [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3694855480648456&set=a.112059135594793] |
As a former Anti-Reformed Christian person, who now loves Reformed Theology, I fell in love with the Doctrines of Grace AKA TULIP. In this blog post, I will post about how to explain TULIP to children and how to pray about the Doctrines of Grace.
UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 5, 2026
When explaining TULIP—the five key points of Calvinism about how God saves people—to children, it helps to use simple stories and focus on God's big, loving rescue plan rather than heavy theological words.
Breaking Down the Letters for Kids
T – Total Depravity (We need help):
What it means: Everyone is broken by sin inside their hearts and minds.
How to explain: "Imagine getting your hands super messy with mud. You cannot wash your own hands if your whole body is stuck and you can't reach the water. In the same way, our hearts get messy with wrong choices, and we need God to wash us clean because we cannot fix ourselves."
U – Unconditional Election (God chooses first):
What it means: God chooses His people because of His great love, not because they earned it.
How to explain: "Think about a time you picked a best friend or when your parents chose to love you. They didn't love you because you were perfect; they loved you just because! God looked at us with huge affection and decided to call us His special family before we even did anything good."
L – Limited Atonement (Jesus saves His people):
What it means: Jesus specifically died to rescue His chosen flock.
How to explain: "When a shepherd has a flock of sheep, he knows every single one by name and protects them. Jesus came on a special rescue mission to take the punishment for His own special family—his kids."
I – Irresistible Grace (God's welcoming hug):
What it means: When God calls someone to Himself, His love is so strong they want to follow Him.
How to explain: "Imagine smelling your absolute favorite freshly baked cookies coming from the kitchen. That wonderful smell pulls you right in! God’s love is like that warm, strong pull that safely leads our hearts to peace and belief."
P – Perseverance of the Saints (Held safely forever):
What it means: God keeps believers strong so they never truly lose their faith.
How to explain: "Think of holding your parent’s big, strong hand while crossing a busy street. Even if you trip or get scared, you don't fall away because their grip is strong. God holds onto His children so tightly that they are safe in His hands forever."
T.U.L.I.P FOR KIDS LINKS:
https://www.learnreligions.com/five-point-calvinism-700356
https://www.apuritansmind.com/tulip/
https://www.croydonvineyard.org.uk/parentportal/kids-bibles-and-how-to-read-them
Learn the 5 Points of Calvinism (TULIP) Through a Fun Children's Song!
Sep 27, 2024 #Calvinism #ReformedTheology #ChristianKids
Welcome to our fun and educational children’s song that teaches the 5 Points of Calvinism, also known as TULIP! 🌷 In this video, we break down each letter of T-U-L-I-P to help kids (and adults!) understand the key doctrines of Calvinism in a simple and joyful way.
What you'll learn:
T: Total Depravity – How sin affects us all
U: Unconditional Election – God’s special choice to save His people
L: Limited Atonement – Jesus died for His chosen flock
I: Irresistible Grace – God’s love that calls us to believe
P: Perseverance of the Saints – God will keep us safe in His love Sing along and learn about God's love and plan for salvation!
VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuAcvhZbkRc&t=1s
How to Pray the TULIP Doctrines
A prayer reflecting the TULIP doctrines of grace is an act of humble praise that acknowledges God's complete sovereignty in salvation, from our spiritual death to eternal preservation.
Praying through the five points means turning rich theological truths into personal worship, humble confession, and bold intercession for the lost:
T – Total Depravity: Confess your inability to save yourself or seek God on your own. Thank God for seeking you when you were dead in sin.
U – Unconditional Election: Express gratitude that God chose you not based on any merit or foreseen good in you, but purely out of His free, merciful grace.
L – Limited Atonement (Particular Redemption): Praise Jesus for His specific, successful work on the cross. Thank Him for actually securing and purchasing your redemption, rather than just making it a possibility.
I – Irresistible Grace (Effectual Calling): Acknowledge that the Holy Spirit had to break through your hard heart. Use this point to plead for the salvation of others, knowing God has the power to draw anyone to Himself.
P – Perseverance of the Saints: Rest in security. Thank God that He who began a good work in you will faithfully keep you until the very end.
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When the soul is cast
down, shallow comfort will not hold. [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122291957774186135&set=a.122093256320186135] https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2026/05/endorsing-narrow-path-doctrine.html |
“Heavenly Father, I come before You acknowledging my total depravity—left to myself, I was blind, dead in my trespasses, and completely unable to climb my way up to You.
I stand in absolute wonder at Your unconditional election. You set Your love upon me before the foundation of the world, not because of any goodness or merit in me, but entirely according to the free pleasure of Your will.
Lord Jesus, I praise You for a successful and definite cross. Through Your particular redemption, You did not merely try to save; You actually bore my sins and secured my pardon.
Holy Spirit, I thank You for Your irresistible grace. You overcame my stubborn resistance, opened my eyes, and effectually called me into the light. Because Your grace is powerful, I boldly ask You to draw my family, friends, and neighbors to salvation, knowing You can awaken dead hearts.
And Father, I rest in Your perseverance of the saints. I am prone to wander, but You are powerful to keep. You will hold me fast until I see You face to face. All glory, praise, and sovereign honor belong to You alone.
In Jesus' name, Amen.”
T.U.L.I.P PRAYER LINKS:
https://matgilbert.wordpress.com/2013/09/12/introduction-to-calvinism-tulip-defined/
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-pursuit-of-gods-glory-in-salvation-session-2
https://reformeddogmatika.com/five-points-of-calvinism/
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scotty-smith/a-prayer-about-grace-teaching/
https://www.9marks.org/article/real-calvinists-pray/
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Joshua 24:15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 has a larger context. Proper biblical exegesis examines verses within their entire context. What does Joshua 24 mean in context? First, it is important to understand that the overall context of Joshua 24 deals with covenant faithfulness and renewal (Josh 24:25), not salvation. So, total depravity is not an issue here. Second, Joshua 24:14 begins with the words "Now therefore" sending us back to the context of Joshua 24:1-13. It briefly describes Israel's history, including their deliverance from Egypt and God's kind provision. Israel, the OT church, was in a state of idolatry (Josh 24:14). We read, "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord" (Josh 24:15). This reveals the spiritual condition of the Israelite heart. It identified the distorting nature of their sin. It is as though, what is right is wrong and what is wrong is right (cf. Isa 5:20). Then we read the oft quoted phrase, "choose this day whom you will serve" (Josh 24:15). But the verse does not end there, it continues and says, "whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell." So, the choice of Joshua 24:15 was not whether Israel will choose between God or other gods (idols), but rather between which false god they are going to select: (1) the idols Abraham left behind (Josh 24:2-3) or (2) the gods of the Amorites (Josh 24:12). So, in context, the absolute free-will some assert to choose Christ unto salvation from Joshua 24:15 is not true, as the choice was between two evils; false gods. This is the lynchpin of Arminianism? Then Joshua says the convicting words, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Josh 24:15). In reading the entire chapter, we discover that after the Lord initiated an assembly by Joshua (Josh 24:1-2) and Joshua by the Spirit shared God's Word (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:20-21; cf. 1 Cor 2:4; Isa 11:2; Mic 3:8; Acts 10:38; Rom 1:4; 15:13, 19; Eph 3:16, etc.), Israel repented of their sin - a gift from God (Rom 2:4; Acts 11:18; 2 Tim 2:24-26). Israel repudiated their other gods (Josh 24:16), acknowledged God's acts in the exodus and other conquests (Josh 24:17-18, 7), and submitted to God himself (Josh 24:18). However, note Joshua's words "You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good" (Josh 24:19-20). Tragically, after the death of Joshua his words came true (Josh 24:32; Judg 2:7, 10-13; 2 Kings 17:7-23, etc.). God's people need ongoing proper leadership, accountability, and discipline (Matt 18:15-20). So, this text has nothing to do with salvation, but deals with covenant faithfulness and renewal. Joshua 24:15 deals with a choice between two evils, not between God and evil. God's assembly and his Word made Israel examine their sin-life. Israel repented because of God's mercy and grace. https://thirdmill.org/answers/answer.asp/file/45612 [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1419059368129099&set=pb.100064445959601.-2207520000&type=3] https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2026/07/prayer-of-tulip.html |
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Objections to Calvinism Bingo courtesy of @reformeddogmatika. [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EwqoJH2hG/] https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2026/07/prayer-of-tulip.html https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2022/07/dustin-benge-on-erasing-john-calvin.html |
THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE LINKS:
“We are all sinners by nature, therefore we are held under the yoke of sin. But if the whole man is subject to the dominion of sin, surely the will, which is its principal seat, must be bound with the closest of chains. And indeed if divine grace were preceded by any will of ours, Paul could not have said that, ‘it is God that worketh in us to will and to do'” (Phil. 2:13) –John Calvin
The Effect of Sin: "Total Depravity"
https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-effect-of-sin-total-depravity.html
Thus, I say, the electing love of God in Christ (when I have been able to realize it) has often been the means of producing holiness, instead of leading me into sin. It is only the notional apprehension of such truths, the want of having them in the heart, whilst they are in the head, which is dangerous. – George Muller on the Doctrines of Grace
https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2026/03/george-muller-on-doctrines-of-grace.html
I would rather believe a limited atonement that is efficacious for all men for whom it was intended, than a universal atonement that is not efficacious for anybody, except the will of men be added to it. - Charles Spurgeon
UNIVERSAL REDEMPTION: THE MOST HIDEOUS DOCTRINE IN THE WORLD – SERMON BY PASTOR DON FORTNER
https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2026/01/universal-redemption-most-hideous.html
Election is God’s decree “whereby on his own free will, he hath ordained certain men to salvation, to the praise of the glory of his grace.” Reprobation is “that part of predestination, whereby God, according to the most free and just purpose of his will, hath determined to reject certain men unto eternal destruction, and misery, and that to the praise of his justice.” – William Perkins
https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2020/10/sermon-by-joel-beeke-william-perkinss.html
Erase John Calvin and his theology from church history, and I still believe in the absolute depravity of man, the unconditional election of God, the definite atonement of Christ, the efficacious grace of God, and the perseverance of all the saints. Because the Bible tells me so. – Dustin Benge
https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2022/07/dustin-benge-on-erasing-john-calvin.html
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“When the Holy Spirit sanctifies believers, He does a complete work in them. He puts into their minds, wills and hearts a gracious, supernatural principle which fills them with a holy desire to live to God. The whole life and being of holiness lies in this. This is the new creation.” - John Owen https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2020/08/quote-from-john-owen-work-of-spirit-in.html The doctrine of irresistible grace says that the Holy Spirit never fails to bring His own to faith. A clear grasp of this doctrine is sorely needed today. The contemporary church is in the midst of a crisis of confidence concerning biblical preaching and the diligent use of the means of grace by which the Holy Spirit works irresistibly in the lives of sinners. The church needs to reaffirm her faith in the invincible power of the Spirit-applied Word of truth. https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/what-is-irresistible-grace [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JbVJtXui2/] https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2026/07/prayer-of-tulip.html |
PROPONENTS OF THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE LINKS:
https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2026/05/endorsing-narrow-path-doctrine.html
https://findlivinghope.com/2025/03/why-i-love-the-doctrines-of-grace/
https://churcheswithoutchests.net/2025/08/21/the-doctrines-of-grace-found-me/
https://www.walkingthroughthegospel.com/2023/09/10-reasons-to-believe-doctrines-of-grace.html
https://www.oakhillspca.com/blog/post/why-i-love-the-doctrine-of-irresistible-grace
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/devastated-and-delighted
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-joy-of-calvinism--2
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/how-does-tulip-make-you-feel
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-beauty-of-reformed-theology
https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2021/05/john-calvin-on-isaiah-41-verse-10-and-13.html
https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2024/01/540th-birthday-for-zwingli-swiss.html
https://www.apuritansmind.com/tulip/
https://www.apuritansmind.com/tulip/why-i-am-a-calvinist-by-dr-c-matthew-mcmahon/
How I Became A Calvinist Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjSIFDZIs-qdeGX01aYguVUstfiTFwKg1&si=JgdsQfXS-qN1uSgu
Michael Jeshurun:
https://michaeljeshurun.wordpress.com/2023/04/15/biblical-election-a-truth-to-be-preached-2/
https://michaeljeshurun.wordpress.com/2023/05/26/rejoicing-in-the-truth-of-sovereign-election/
https://michaeljeshurun.wordpress.com/tag/calvinism-not-from-calvin/
Frontline Fellowship:
https://www.frontlinemissionsa.org/answers-to-critical-questions
https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2023/10/470-years-ago-michael-servetus-was.html
David Kaywood:
https://www.gospelrelevance.com/2016/05/22/john-calvin-burn-michael-servetus-stake/
https://bible.org/article/what-theology-dave-hunt-s-misrepresentation-god-and-calvinism
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-beauty-of-reformed-theology
https://conciliarpost.com/theology-spirituality/im-not-reformed-admire-anyway/
Refuting Provisionist:
https://theparticularbaptist.net/2020/05/29/leightons-ministry-of-selfishness/
https://puritanboard.com/threads/countering-provisionism.106713/
If you believe that salvation is all your choosing, have the courage and conviction to stand before God and tell Him you would like to pause from thanking Him, and thank yourself. — Derek Thomas
Response to Dave Hunt’s book: What Love is This? subtitled, “Calvinism’s Misrepresentation of God.”
https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2025/05/response-to-dave-hunts-book-what-love.html
