Examining the Five Points of Calvinism
Through a Biblical Lens

Calvinism has shaped Protestant theology for five centuries — but does it hold up under careful biblical scrutiny? Beyond Tulip offers rigorous, accessible examinations of Reformed doctrine, equipping Christians to think biblically about God's character, human freedom, and the gospel.

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New to the Calvinism debate? Begin with our curated introduction to the five points (TULIP), the key biblical texts at stake, and the alternative framework Beyond Tulip defends — a vision of God's genuine, universal love and human moral responsibility.

The Five Points

Total Depravity

Does Scripture teach that fallen humanity is incapable of any positive response to God, or does it portray human beings …

Unconditional Election

Is election individual and unconditional, or is it corporate — God choosing a people "in Christ" — with individuals join…

Limited Atonement

Did Christ die to make salvation possible for all, or did He die to actually secure salvation exclusively for the elect?…

Irresistible Grace

Does God's grace override human will, or does God genuinely enable a free response to the gospel that can be rejected?…

Perseverance of the Saints

Does Scripture teach that genuine believers are eternally secure regardless of their conduct, or does it warn that belie…

Featured Article

Cornerstone

Corporate Election: The Biblical Alternative to Calvinist Individualism in Romans 9

Of all the fortresses in the 5-point Calvinist system, none seems more imposing than Romans 9. For many of us who have walked this path, it was the chapter that sealed the deal, the exegetical high…

March 02, 2025 · 8 min read

Latest Articles

Corporate Election: The Biblical Alternative to Calvinist Individualism in Romans 9

March 02, 2025 · Unconditional Election · 8 min read
Of all the fortresses in the 5-point Calvinist system, none seems more imposing than Romans 9. For many of us who have walked this path, it was the chapter that sealed the deal,…

Philippians 2:12–13: The Verse That Explodes Calvinist ‘Monergism’

March 02, 2025 · Unconditional Election · 5 min read
The Calvinist Claim: Salvation Is All God’s Work Calvinism teaches a doctrine called monergism , which asserts that salvation is entirely the work of God, with zero human…

Foreknown ≠ Preapproved: Why Romans 8:29’s ‘Foreknowledge’ Isn’t a Calvinist Rubber Stamp

March 01, 2025 · Unconditional Election · 6 min read
The Calvinist Position: Unconditional Election In Chosen by God , R.C. Sproul tackles the idea of predestination head-on, especially in his discussion of Romans 8:29. He firmly…

Born of the Word, Not a Monergistic Monolith: How James 1:18 Refutes Calvinist Monergism

March 01, 2025 · Unconditional Election · 6 min read
The Calvinist Position: Regeneration Precedes Faith In his book Chosen by God , R.C. Sproul lays out a cornerstone of Calvinist theology: regeneration must come before faith. On…

The Problem of Evil: Is Calvinism’s God the Author of Sin?

February 16, 2025 · Total Depravity · 3 min read
Introduction: The Theological Dilemma Calvinism asserts God’s absolute sovereignty, including His decree of all events (Ephesians 1:11). Critics argue this makes God the …

Ezekiel 36:26: Does God Unilaterally Replace Hearts?

February 16, 2025 · Irresistible Grace · 3 min read
Introduction: The Calvinist Claim Calvinists argue that  Ezekiel 36:26  ("I will give you a new heart... I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of…

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About the Author

ML

Marc LaClear

Marc LaClear examines Reformed theology through a biblical lens, writing for Christians who want to understand both sides of the Calvinism debate.

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