The Gospel According to the Bible (T.U.L.I.P.)

Total Depravity: Due to the corruption of human nature as a result of Adam's fall (Romans 5:12), every child is born inherently wicked (Genesis 6:5), hostile to his Creator (Romans 8:7), and content to remain in his sin (John 3:19). Though a free moral agent, man's will is nevertheless limited in that he can only choose to do those things which are in accord with his nature (Ephesians 2:1-3). Consequently, apart from divine intervention, he cannot see God (John 3:3), he cannot hear God's Word (John 8:43, 47), he cannot receive God's truth (1 Corinthians 2:14), and he cannot seek after God for salvation (Romans 3:11).

Unconditional Election: Since man in his spiritual condition is hopelessly lost, his eternal destiny rests solely in the hands of his Creator (Romans 9:20-21). Furthermore, since all men have sinned against God in thought, word, and deed, all stand guilty and justly condemned before Him (Romans 3:23). It is therefore the prerogative of God to show mercy to those whom He has chosen to save, while justly requiring all others to answer and suffer for their wickedness (Exodus 33:19). Thus, those finally consigned to eternal punishment will receive what they deserve, while those in heaven will receive what they neither deserve nor sought (Romans 6:23).

Limited Atonement: While the redemption of sinners was predetermined by God before the creation, it was on Calvary where sovereign grace was finally manifest to the world (Colossians 2:15). Christ's death on the cross was not a purposeless act of a hopeful Savior, but was specifically designed to atone for the sins of those whom God had elected to salvation (Luke 19:10). Being omnipotent in its power to save, Christ's blood was nevertheless intended to be the purchase price of His Bride, the Church (Acts 20:28), and thus fully accomplished the purpose for which it was shed (John 19:30).

Irresistible Grace: Since man in his fallen state is not able to seek after God, he is also not able to resist the calling of God unto salvation (John 6:37). God's eternal election of His people coupled with Christ's death in behalf of the same has rendered their salvation certain (Ephesians 1:4-5). It is impossible for the elect to decline God's grace simply because all inherent desire to reject God has been removed and replaced by a new heart which seeks after Him (Ezekiel 36:26).

Perseverance of the Saints: With a proper understanding of God's immutability (Malachi 3:6) and His eternal grace towards those whom He has elected (1 Peter 5:10), the true believer may rest assured that God's favor will never be revoked (Romans 8:38-39). Though the Christian will never achieve sinless perfection while still in his mortal state (Romans 7:21-24), he can be confident that the Holy Spirit will continue to work within to sanctify him (Philippians 2:12-13), and to conform him to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29), until he is finally glorified in the presence of God (1 Corinthians 13:12). Salvation in its three stages - justification, sanctification, and glorification - is therefore the sovereign work of God (Hebrews 12:2) and not the result of the religious efforts of man (John 1:12-13).