five points of calvinism

a nice overview of t.u.l.i.p. from jollyblogger:

Total Depravity. Because of original sin and his inherited sinful nature, man's depravity extends to every part of him. There is nothing left untouched by his sinful condition, which is always inclined toward evil -- not his mind, his heart, his will, not anything.

Unconditional Election. God's election of a person for salvation therefore has nothing to do with that person or what he or she can offer, but with His own good pleasure and for His own purpose. It is not based on any merit from the person, nor on a mere foreknowledge of that person's acceptance of the gospel.

Limited Atonement. Christ died to atone for the sins of the elect, not for those of the entire world. Otherwise, the precious blood of Christ would be wasted on those who were never predestined for the kingdom.

Irresistable Grace. The grace of God through the work of the Holy Spirit operates to call the elect to faith in Jesus Christ. The elect cannot resist the grace of God that draws them into His company.

Perseverence of the Saints. While we cannot distinguish between the members of the visible church on the corner and the invisible church of the elect, we are secure that those who truly are elect will persevere in their faith to the end. This is the Calvinist approach to the doctrine of eternal security: because God chose you, you cannot by your own willful disobedience fall away and forfeit your salvation. Those who truly do fall away from the faith were never truly among the elect.