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“Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth.” Psalm 60:4

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Home / About Us / What We Contend For / The Five Points of Calvinism

The Five Points of Calvinism

The so-called Five Points of Calvinism, often referred to under the acronym TULIP, are:

  • Total depravity
  • Unconditional election
  • Limited atonement
  • Irresistible grace
  • Perseverance of the saints.

These five doctrines, also known as The Doctrines of Grace, summarise the key points of the Biblical system of salvation, which is all of grace – all of God’s sovereign grace.

Although they were never formulated expressly in this way by John Calvin, they formed the backbone of the salvation taught by him, and are followed by all who subscribe to the method of salvation set forth in Scripture.

In the seventeenth century, a Dutch theologian named Jacobus Arminius strayed from the Reformed understanding of salvation at certain key points. After his death, his followers (called Remonstrants) produced a document (in 1610) called The Five Articles of Remonstrance, which set forth the views they held in common with Arminius. These doctrines, which together form the system known as Arminianism, basically put the whole matter of a sinner’s salvation into the hands of the sinner himself. Calvinism, on the other hand, whilst not denying the sinner’s responsibility, insists on a sinner’s salvation being ultimately in the hands of the all-sovereign God, who has “mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth” (Rom. 9:18).

The Remonstrants’ Articles were dealt with by a Synod which met in Dordrecht from 1618 to 1619. This Synod of Dort produced its own document called the Canons of Dort, which under five heads of doctrine gave its judgment against the Arminian views. It is these five heads of doctrine in the Canons of Dort which gave rise to the name Five Points of Calvinism.

The Canons of Dort, which can be read at the link, set forth clearly and thoroughly the Biblical system of salvation by Divine grace.

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About Us

  • Who We Are
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      • A Catechism of the History and Principles of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland – PDF
      • 1. Origins of the Free Presbyterian Church (1-13)
      • 2. The Westminster Confession of Faith (14–22)
      • 3. The Declaratory Act and the Free Church (23–53)
      • 4. The Infallibility of Scripture (54-67)
      • 5. Erroneous Doctrines (68-77)
      • 6. Innovations in Worship (78-93)
      • 7. Church and State (94-104)
      • 8. Church office-bearers (105-130)
      • 9. Church Courts (131-140)
      • 10. Church Unity (141-149)
      • 11. Modern Religious Cults (150-159)
      • 12. Modern Errors (160-170)
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      • 14. Christ’s Second Coming (176-179)
      • Appendix 1. Deed of Separation 1893
      • Appendix 2. Free Church of Scotland Declaratory Act 1892
      • Appendix 3. FP Synod Resolutions
      • Appendix 4. Questions put to Office-bearers and Formula to be signed by them
      • Appendix 5. Memorandum on the Church of Scotland Enabling Bill 1920
    • The Declaratory Act Controversy
      • Declaratory Act – Reasons for Separation
      • How the Declaratory Act changed the Constitution of the Free Church
      • Explanatory Criticism of the Declaratory Act
      • The Consequences of the Declaratory Act
      • The Declaratory Act and Admission into Office in the Free Church
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      • A Brief History of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland
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      • Subjects of Baptism – by Rev. William MacIntyre
      • Mode of Baptism – by Rev. William Macintyre
      • Should Infants be Baptised?
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      • Family worship – a convicting appeal from C H Spurgeon
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      • Family worship – another wartime appeal
      • Family worship – an illustration of its power
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      • Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
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      • The First Principle
      • The Second Principle
      • The Third Principle
      • The Fourth Principle
      • The Fifth Principle
      • The Sixth Principle
      • Application of the Test
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  • Important Documents
    • The Scots Confession
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    • The Westminster Confession of Faith
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    • The Directory for Family Worship
    • The Claim Declaration and Protest
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    • The Deed of Separation 1893
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  • Day of Humiliation and Prayer
  • Voluntary Bible Knowledge Teacher at John Tallach High School, Zimbabwe
  • Theological Conference 24th to 25th October, 2023

Recently Added Audio

  • The gospel preached with the Holy Spirit 12 Nov 2023
  • The privilege of God’s people 13 Nov 2023
  • Christ on the throne 13 Nov 2023
  • If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins 12 Nov 2023
  • Communion Table Address 2 12 Nov 2023
  • Fencing of Table & Communion Table Address 1 12 Nov 2023
  • Action Sermon 12 Nov 2023
  • The beauty of the church to Christ and her duty to him 11 Nov 2023
  • The man born blind given sight 10 Nov 2023
  • A fountain opened for sin and uncleanness 9 Nov 2023

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Rev Caleb J Hembd
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Rev S Khumalo
c/o 9 Robertson Street
Parkview, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
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Rev Keith M Watkins
Free Presbyterian Manse, Ferry Road, Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, HS5 3UA, UK.
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Mr William Campbell
133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow,
G3 6LE, UK.
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