Total Depravity
Teaches that every part of our humanity has been touched and twisted by sin. We are not as evil as we could possibly be, but the Fall has so deeply corrupted our minds, affections, and wills that we are, by nature, spiritually dead and hostile toward God (Psalms 51:5; Romans 5:12; Colossians 2:13).
In this condition, our will is not free in a neutral sense; it is bound to sin, unable to turn itself Godward or produce saving faith. Unless the Holy Spirit first gives new birth, we cannot repent, believe, or come to Christ (John 3:5–7).
Unconditional Election
Proclaims that, before the foundation of the world, God freely and lovingly chose a people for Himself out of the ruined mass of fallen humanity. His choice rests not on anything foreseen in us—no future faith, works, or merits—but solely on the good pleasure of His will and the riches of His grace (Deuteronomy 7:6–7; Romans 8:28–30; Ephesians 1:4).
Those whom He elects He effectually calls, bringing them to genuine repentance and living faith by the power of the Holy Spirit. The elect receive saving grace; those not chosen still receive many good gifts in this life—sun, rain, and countless mercies—yet remain in their sins and finally meet God’s just judgment (1 Peter 2:8–9; John 6:44; Matthew 5:45).
Limited Atonement (Real Atonement)
We believe and affirm that the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross, offered once for all, is fully sufficient to redeem sinners. In our place He bore our guilt as a true substitute, our sins were imputed to Him, He satisfied the righteous wrath of God, and He reconciled us to God the Father.
In this way, the death of Christ truly saves and does not merely make salvation a possibility; it effectually secures the redemption of all those whom the Father has given Him, and its saving power does not rest on who chooses to accept it or not (1 Peter 1:18–19; Revelation 5:9; Isaiah 53:6, 12; John 1:29; 2 Corinthians 5:18–19, 21; Galatians 3:13; Leviticus 4:35; Romans 3:25; 5:10).
Irresistible Grace
Speaks of the Holy Spirit’s sovereign work in bringing the elect from death to life. When God effectually calls, He does more than invite; He penetrates the heart, takes away the heart of stone, and gives a heart of flesh that delights to come to Christ (Ezequiel 36:26–27; John 3:3–8).
This regenerating grace is monergistic—God alone acts to give new birth—and it is effective, not merely cooperative. Those whom the Spirit regenerates are made willing, and they inevitably come to saving faith, clinging to Christ as their Redeemer and Lord (Romans 8:30; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:1–10).
Perseverance of the Saints
Assures us that all who are truly born again and united to Christ by faith will be kept by God’s power to the end. Believers may stumble, face deep temptation, and even fall into grievous sin, yet God’s grace will not let them finally and completely fall away (John 10:27–30; Rom. 8:35–39).
The Good Shepherd holds His sheep; the Father’s hand is stronger than our weakness; the Spirit continues His work until the day of Christ. The ongoing intercession of Jesus guarantees that those whom He has purchased will be preserved and will at last see His face (John 3:16; 1 John 5:13).
