Prayer of TULIP

    

Jesus said that HE LOSES NONE that the Father gives to Him!!!!

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 https://youtu.be/dv1tpfGqDB4?si=ibaXNgRKKoPC4iSH

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ9yqrJoOrA

                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

Chosen in Him God’s Eternal Election

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https://youtu.be/oxKSGUu8EuU?si=9_n069fZxxAmPA1r

 https://pulpitandpen.org/2016/04/19/great-commission-101-evangelism-not-evanjellyfish/

 https://heartcrymissionary.com/sermons/what-is-the-gospel-2/

 https://illbehonest.com/the-biblical-gospel-and-evangelism-paul-washer

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!

Children Belong Bible Songs

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.

   

When the soul is cast down, shallow comfort will not hold.

Positive thinking will not carry the weight. Vague spirituality will not anchor the heart. Man-centered religion has nothing sturdy enough for the valley.

Spurgeon knew where weary saints must go.
Not to self-esteem.
Not to religious performance.
Not to the shifting weather of feelings.

But to the old Calvinistic doctrines of grace: God is sovereign. Christ is sufficient. Election is mercy. Grace is effectual. Providence is not panic. The Shepherd does not lose His sheep.

These truths are not cold stones.
They are warm bread for bruised pilgrims.

When your spirit sinks, look again to the God who chose, redeemed, called, keeps, and will glorify His people.

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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/

    

  

Joshua 24:15

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

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https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2026/07/prayer-of-tulip.html

   

Objections to Calvinism Bingo courtesy of @reformeddogmatika.

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https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2026/07/prayer-of-tulip.html

 https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2022/07/dustin-benge-on-erasing-john-calvin.html

   

John Calvin: Myths and Facts

Separating the Historical Reformer from the Caricature

John Calvin (1509–1564) remains one of the most influential—and controversial—figures of the Protestant Reformation. Admirers regard him as a brilliant theologian and faithful expositor of Scripture; critics often portray him as a harsh dictator who invented predestination and ruled Geneva with an iron fist.

Both the heroized Calvin and the demonized Calvin can be misleading.

The best approach is to go beyond slogans and examine the historical evidence and Calvin's own writings. Calvin was neither a flawless saint nor the caricature of a bloodthirsty tyrant. He was a sixteenth-century Reformer whose theology and ministry had enormous influence—and whose record also contains genuine controversies and serious weaknesses. (Calvin University)

Myth 1: “Calvin invented predestination.”

Fact: Calvin did not invent the doctrine of predestination.

Predestination and election were discussed extensively in Christian theology long before Calvin. Calvin developed a particularly systematic and influential Reformed formulation of these doctrines, but he did not introduce the concept into Christianity.

Calvin himself constantly appealed to Scripture and earlier Christian writers. In the Institutes, his treatment of predestination appears within a much larger theological framework concerning God's sovereignty, human sin, grace, Christ, and salvation. (Christian Classics Ethereal Library)

Calvin's teaching can certainly be debated. But saying “Calvin invented predestination” is historically inaccurate.

The better statement is: Calvin developed a distinctive and highly influential Reformed theology of predestination; he did not invent the doctrine itself.

Myth 2: “Calvin invented TULIP.”

Fact: Calvin never used the acronym TULIP.

The familiar five-point acronym—

T — Total Depravity

U — Unconditional Election

L — Limited Atonement

I — Irresistible Grace

P — Perseverance of the Saints

—is a later formulation associated with the Reformed tradition. The acronym itself is much later than Calvin and cannot simply be treated as a summary Calvin personally created. (Crossway)

Calvin's theology was much broader.

His Institutes of the Christian Religion dealt with the knowledge of God, Scripture, creation, providence, Christ, justification, sanctification, prayer, the church, sacraments, Christian liberty, and many other subjects. The first edition appeared in 1536, and Calvin continued revising the work until the final Latin edition of 1559. (Google Books)

Therefore:

Calvinism should not be reduced to five letters.

Myth 3: “Calvin taught salvation by works.”

Fact: Calvin strongly defended justification by faith.

Calvin's doctrine of justification was explicitly opposed to justification based upon human merit.

In the Institutes, Calvin argued that sinners are justified through faith because Christ's righteousness is received by faith—not because human works provide the ground of acceptance before God. (Christian Classics Ethereal Library)

His position can be summarized:

We are justified by faith, not by our works.

But Calvin immediately connected justification with sanctification.

He did not conclude:

“Since works do not save us, therefore works do not matter.”

Quite the opposite.

Calvin insisted that genuine faith produces a transformed life. Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the basis of salvation. (Crossway)

This distinction is crucial:

Works are not the root of justification; they are the fruit of genuine faith.

Myth 4: “Calvin was the dictator of Geneva.”

Fact: Calvin exercised enormous influence, but he was not the political dictator of Geneva.

Calvin became one of the dominant religious figures in Geneva, but the political structure was more complicated than the popular caricature suggests.

He was a pastor and theologian working within a city governed by councils. His political authority was limited, and he himself experienced opposition from Geneva's political leaders.

In fact, Calvin was expelled from Geneva in 1538 after theological and political conflicts. He returned only in 1541, after the city council requested his return. He remained there until his death in 1564. (Calvin University)

The claim that Calvin personally controlled every aspect of Geneva therefore oversimplifies the historical situation.

However, we should not swing to the opposite extreme.

Calvin exercised considerable influence over Geneva's religious life, and the Consistory played an important role in disciplining the city's inhabitants. Modern scholarship recognizes that Geneva's system involved substantial regulation of religious and social behavior. (Revistas USP)

So the balanced conclusion is:

Calvin was highly influential—not an absolute dictator.

Myth 5: “Calvin personally executed Michael Servetus.”

Fact: Calvin did not personally execute Servetus—but his involvement in the affair was real and cannot simply be dismissed.

Michael Servetus was arrested in Geneva in 1553 and eventually executed by the civil authorities for heresy.

Calvin did not possess the legal authority to personally sentence or execute Servetus. Historical evidence also indicates that Calvin participated in the theological prosecution and supported punishment for heresy. (Crossway)

This is where honesty is essential.

It is wrong to say:

“Calvin personally burned Servetus.”

But it is equally wrong to say:

“Calvin had absolutely nothing to do with Servetus's death.”

Calvin was deeply involved in the controversy, regarded Servetus's theology as profoundly heretical, and defended the punishment of heresy within the sixteenth-century Christian political framework. His involvement remains one of the most serious criticisms of his legacy. (Cambridge University Press)

The historical context explains Calvin's position.

It does not automatically justify it.

We can acknowledge that sixteenth-century Catholics and Protestants commonly regarded heresy as a threat to the social order while still concluding that the execution of a theological dissenter was wrong.

That is a much more historically responsible assessment.

Myth 6: “Calvin hated freedom and opposed religious liberty.”

Fact: Calvin's position on religious liberty was complex and historically transitional.

Modern categories of religious liberty cannot simply be projected backward onto the sixteenth century.

Calvin certainly did not advocate the kind of broad religious pluralism familiar in modern liberal democracies. Geneva was a confessional Christian society, and theological dissent could carry serious consequences.

Yet Calvin also wrote extensively about government, liberty, conscience, and the proper limits of political authority. Modern scholarship therefore treats his contribution to religious liberty as complex rather than simply pro- or anti-liberty. (Cambridge University Press)

This is especially important because Calvin's involvement in the Servetus affair stands in tension with later developments in religious toleration.

Calvin helped shape ideas that later contributed to Western political thought, while also holding positions that modern Christians should critically evaluate.

Myth 7: “Calvin was a joyless man who only preached predestination.”

Fact: Calvin's writings cover far more than predestination.

Calvin wrote extensively on:

The glory of God

Scripture

Christ

Justification

Sanctification

Prayer

The Christian life

The church

The sacraments

Christian liberty

Providence

Creation

The Psalms

Biblical interpretation

His Institutes alone developed into a massive theological work. The first edition of 1536 was relatively short, but the final 1559 edition contained eighty chapters and represented decades of theological development. (Google Books)

Calvin was also deeply committed to preaching and biblical exposition. His ministry included extensive commentaries on Scripture and pastoral work in Geneva.

His theology was not merely about asking:

“Who is predestined?”

A much larger question dominated his thinking:

“How does the whole of life belong to God?”

Myth 8: “Calvin taught that Christians could live however they wanted because salvation is by grace.”

Fact: Calvin strongly rejected antinomianism.

Calvin taught that salvation is entirely dependent upon God's grace, but he simultaneously insisted that grace produces holiness.

His theology distinguished between the ground of salvation and the fruit of salvation.

We are not accepted by God because we have become sufficiently holy.

Rather, having been united to Christ, believers are progressively transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Calvin therefore emphasized repentance, self-denial, obedience, sanctification, and Christian discipline. (Crossway)

In short:

Grace does not produce lawlessness. Grace produces holiness.

Myth 9: “Calvin believed he was infallible.”

Fact: Calvin never claimed to be an inspired prophet or an infallible authority.

This is important because Reformed theology itself rejects the idea that Calvin's writings possess the authority of Scripture.

Calvin repeatedly placed Scripture above human authority. In the Institutes, he argued that the authority of Scripture rests upon God as its divine Author, rather than upon the institutional judgment of the church. (Christian Classics Ethereal Library)

Therefore, Calvin should never be treated as though:

“Calvin said it, therefore it must be true.”

A Reformed approach should be:

“What does Scripture say, and does Calvin interpret Scripture correctly?”

Calvin himself would have been a poor substitute for Scripture.

Myth 10: “Everything attributed to Calvin is historically reliable.”

Fact: Calvin has suffered from both exaggerated criticism and exaggerated praise.

Some critics have repeated stories about Calvin that originated in polemical literature and were later exaggerated.

At the same time, some admirers have minimized genuine problems in his life and theology.

Historical scholarship shows that both extremes are problematic. Calvin's legacy includes extraordinary theological achievement alongside serious controversies. (Crossway)

We should therefore avoid both:

“Calvin was a perfect hero.”

and

“Calvin was a monstrous tyrant.”

Neither adequately represents the historical evidence.

What Can We Appreciate About Calvin?

Even those who disagree with aspects of Calvin's theology can recognize his enormous contribution to Protestant theology.

He emphasized:

The supremacy of Scripture.

The sovereignty and glory of God.

Justification by faith.

The necessity of sanctification.

The centrality of Christ.

The importance of preaching.

The ministry of the local church.

The education of Christians.

His influence extended far beyond Geneva. Geneva became an important center for Reformed theological education, and Calvin's writings were carried throughout Europe. (Les Archives d'Etat de Genève)

But Calvin Should Not Be Idolized

There is an important principle here:

We can appreciate a theologian without making him our authority.

Calvin was a gifted but fallible man.

He could interpret Scripture brilliantly and still make mistakes.

He could defend justification by faith and still hold some problematic views.

He could contribute enormously to the Reformation and still be criticized for his handling of Servetus.

He could emphasize God's grace while also living within the limitations of sixteenth-century Christendom.

Therefore:

Do not worship Calvin.

Do not demonize Calvin.

Read Calvin. Examine Calvin. Test Calvin.

And ultimately:

Stand under the authority of Scripture, not under the authority of Calvin.

Paul's principle remains decisive:

“Test all things; hold fast what is good.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Conclusion

John Calvin was neither the monster of popular anti-Calvinist mythology nor the flawless hero of uncritical Calvinist admiration.

He was a sixteenth-century Protestant Reformer, pastor, theologian, biblical commentator, and influential church leader whose writings profoundly shaped the Reformed tradition. He defended justification by faith, emphasized God's sovereignty, stressed the authority of Scripture, and insisted that saving faith produces a life of holiness. (Calvin University)

But his legacy also contains difficult questions—particularly his involvement in the Servetus affair and his views concerning the relationship between church, state, and religious dissent.

The responsible Christian response is neither blind admiration nor uninformed hostility.

Let history speak accurately.
Let Scripture judge faithfully.
And let Christ—not Calvin—remain the center of our faith.

Yes. Here are **better source references for the “John Calvin: Myths and Facts” article**, organized according to the major claims.

Primary Sources — Calvin Himself

1. **John Calvin, *Institutes of the Christian Religion*** — Calvin's major theological work. It covers justification by faith, Christian liberty, election/predestination, sanctification, prayer, the church, and much more. ([Christian Classics Ethereal Library][1])
[Read Calvin’s Institutes online](https://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.html...)

2. **Calvin on Justification by Faith** — Calvin explicitly argues that sinners receive Christ's righteousness by faith rather than being justified by their works. ([Christian Classics Ethereal Library][2])
[Calvin, Institutes — Justification by Faith](https://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.v.xiv.html...)

3. **Calvin on Christian Liberty** — Useful for examining Calvin's teaching concerning freedom of conscience, obedience, and Christian liberty. ([Christian Classics Ethereal Library][3])
[Calvin, Institutes — Christian Liberty](https://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.v.xx.html...)

4. **Calvin on Election and Predestination** — *Institutes*, Book III, especially chapters 21–24, provides Calvin's own treatment of election and predestination. ([Christian Classics Ethereal Library][4])

Historical Sources

5. **Calvin University — John Calvin biography** — Provides a useful historical overview of Calvin's life, including his expulsion from Geneva in 1538, his return in 1541, and his ministry and writings. ([Calvin University][5])
[John Calvin — Calvin University](https://calvin.edu/about/history/john-calvin.html...)

6. **Christian Classics Ethereal Library — John Calvin biography** — Provides background on Calvin's education, conversion to Protestantism, Geneva ministry, *Institutes*, and theological legacy. ([Christian Classics Ethereal Library][6])
[John Calvin biography — CCEL](https://ccel.org/ccel/ccel/eee/files/calvin.html...)

Recommended Scholarly Books

For a more serious study of Calvin, these are particularly useful:

T. H. L. Parker, *John Calvin: A Biography*** — Westminster Press.
* **T. H. L. Parker, *Calvin: An Introduction to His Thought*** — Westminster/John Knox Press.

Richard A. Muller, *The Unaccommodated Calvin: Studies in the Foundation of a Theological Tradition*** — Oxford University Press.

François Wendel, *Calvin: Origins and Development of His Religious Thought*** — Baker Academic.

William de Greef, *The Writings of John Calvin: An Introductory Guide*** — Baker.

Calvin University specifically recommends these works for deeper study of Calvin and his historical context. ([Calvin University][5])

A Note About Servetus

The Michael Servetus controversy deserves especially careful treatment. It is inaccurate to say simply, “Calvin personally executed Servetus.” Calvin did not personally carry out the execution. At the same time, it would also be misleading to suggest that Calvin had no involvement: he participated significantly in the theological controversy and supported the prosecution. This is one area where the historical evidence requires a nuanced presentation rather than either pro- or anti-Calvinist propaganda.

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BLOG: https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2026/07/prayer-of-tulip.html

 

   

The reformers were recovering the faith of the fathers according to Scripture alone. But also we continue the faith before us, the universal (catholic) faith that is orthodox. To be evangelical is to be catholic, that's the reformation faith and theology.

When someone asks where was the evangelical faith pre-reformation? We can point to St. Augustine, St. Cyprian, St. Cyril of Alexandria, St. Athanasius, St. Hilary.

“That the Lutheran tradition intended to be faithful to the catholic tradition does not seem to be in doubt with either Saltzman or Pelikan. Philipp Melancthon’s profession that “the churches among us do not dissent from the catholic church in any article of faith” is understood to be an accurate assessment of the intentions of the historic Lutheran church. No, the problem lies not in the Lutheran tradition, according to these writers, but instead with contemporary expressions of Lutheranism.

What I have always sought,” Saltzman writes, “is to be in a church that finally gives expression to the catholicity of the Augsburg Confession.” But in his assessment, “there is no Lutheran expression doing that.” Yes, there are “evangelically catholic centers of Lutheran congregational life, and some that are deeply so,” he writes. “And there are evangelically catholic-minded pastors seeking parish renewal by Creed, Catechism, Confession, and praise God for it.” But these on their own, it seems, are not enough.

Taken from link below.

https://firstthings.com/the-evangelical-catholic-tradition/

 

"My first course was “The Theological World of the Nicene Controversy”, and my second was “Augustine: The Major Works.” And now, although I’d read huge quantities of Augustine before, I read Augustine on predestination at great length for the first time (I’d read On Grace and Free Will ages ago [2006?], actually), and I really couldn’t see a way around Augustinian predestinarianism. I’d rather it were otherwise, for I have a soft spot for St John Cassian, and ever will. I will always take note of what Cassian is attempting to do in Conference 13 and why that pursuit of balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is important. But I simply think that Augustine is right. [Enter trolls in the comments, I assume?]

And so, over the past year, as a guy who thinks he believes in predestination, I’ve been interacting with these really great people, a lot of whom are Reformed, and I’ve even read some Bavinck, and then also, at a quicker pace, James K A Smith’s Letters to a Young Calvinist, and I’ve been seeing the breadth and diversity of the Reformed tradition, how these great thinkers old and new engage with the patristic and medieval heritage in a thoughtful way, seeking retrieval where possible, but always letting Scripture win while also pressing our forebears in the faith in terms of logic and reason.

And so I’ve learned about people like Franciscus Junius and Peter Martyr Vermigli and their relationship with Scholasticism, besides seeing living Reformed thinkers engaging with Thomas Aquinas and Maximus the Confessor and Hilary of Poitiers and all the rest — all of this in a time when I’ve also been revising my book about medieval manuscripts of a patristic pope, teaching the Fathers, teaching the medieval church, and maintaining my usual round of Orthodox thinkers.

And one of the terms I’ve seen a few times is Reformed catholic. And I’m starting to like it."

Taken from link below.

https://thepocketscroll.wordpress.com/2022/07/01/reformed-catholic-part-one/

 https://www.danielrhyde.com/articles/why-i-love-the-canons-of-dort

 BLOG: https://lutherandcalvinbrigade914.blogspot.com/2026/07/prayer-of-tulip.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

“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/2023/04/18/did-christ-go-to-the-cross-to-make-certain-the-salvation-of-all-his-sheep-or-make-salvation-possible-for-any-and-all-who-might-believe-of-their-own-free-will/

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://www.frontlinemissionsa.org/answers-to-critical-questions/john-calvin-was-a-murderous-dictator-who-had-people-killed-just-for-disagreeing-with-himhow-can-you-speak-well-of-such-an-evil-man-who-murdered-servetuswill-durant-called-calvin-the-dictator-of-genevahundrededs-were-executed

https://www.frontlinemissionsa.org/answers-to-critical-questions/you-calvinists-side-with-man-and-not-the-scriptures-god-wants-everyone-to-be-saved-you-limit-the-love-and-gospel-of-christ-with-your-tulip-doctrines-and-word-games

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://growrag.wordpress.com/2020/06/19/confronting-leighton-flowers-and-kevin-thompson-on-their-humanless-reading-of-holy-scripture/

https://theparticularbaptist.net/2020/05/29/leightons-ministry-of-selfishness/

https://puritanboard.com/threads/countering-provisionism.106713/

https://aviewfromtheright.com/2024/07/28/white-responds-to-turek-if-we-dont-have-free-will-to-accept-god/

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

https://shoebat.com/2026/04/19/jewish-idf-soldier-smashes-a-statue-of-the-crucified-jesus-christ-in-lebanon-the-antichrist-spirit-of-israel-is-rising-up-and-exposing-itself-and-the-jewish-fanatics-will-continue-to-slaughter-christ/