In this six-week series, Pastor Cole Cleveland leads the church through a rich, biblical study of the doctrines of grace — the unchanging truths that reveal how God saves sinners from beginning to end. Often summarized by the acronym TULIP, these doctrines are not a system invented by man, but the consistent testimony of Scripture: salvation is all of grace, all of God, and all for His glory.

Lesson 1: The History of the Doctrines of Grace traces how the church has defended these truths from the days of Augustine and Pelagius to the Reformation and the Synod of Dort. In every generation, the same battle has been fought — between man’s pride and God’s sovereignty, between the false hope of human ability and the saving power of divine grace. We see that the doctrines of grace are not new ideas, but the historic faith of the church rooted in the Word of God.

Lesson 2: Total Depravity confronts us with the reality of human sin. Man is not morally neutral or spiritually weak; he is dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1–3). Every part of his being — mind, will, and heart — is corrupted by the fall. Until we see the depth of our depravity, we will never understand the height of God’s mercy. The doctrine of total depravity humbles us and prepares us to worship.

Lesson 3: Unconditional Election reveals the sovereign grace of God in salvation. Before the foundation of the world, God chose a people for Himself in Christ, not based on foreseen faith, good works, or merit, but according to His purpose and love (Ephesians 1:4–6; Romans 9:11–16). Election is not cold fatalism; it is divine mercy. God chooses not because of us, but in spite of us — to the praise of His glorious grace.

Lesson 4: Limited Atonement (or Particular Redemption) teaches that Christ died not to make salvation possible but to actually secure it for His people. The cross was not a general attempt; it was a definite accomplishment. Jesus laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). His atonement is sufficient for all, but efficient for the elect — completely satisfying divine justice and guaranteeing the salvation of those the Father gave Him.

Lesson 5: Irresistible Grace shows that the Holy Spirit effectually applies the redemption Christ purchased. When the Spirit calls, the sinner comes. The same power that said, “Let there be light,” shines into the hearts of the elect, bringing them from death to life (2 Corinthians 4:6). This grace is not coercion but liberation — setting captives free to love and obey Christ.

Lesson 6: Perseverance of the Saints concludes the series with the glorious truth that all whom God saves He keeps to the end. The believer’s security rests not in human effort but in divine faithfulness. “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6). Those whom the Father elected, the Son redeemed, and the Spirit regenerated will be preserved forever.

Together, these five doctrines form a single, unified confession: salvation belongs entirely to the Lord. The Doctrines of Grace deepen our worship, strengthen our assurance, and magnify our view of God. Because when we finally see that man is completely unable and God is completely able, our only response is humble worship:

“Salvation belongs to the Lord” (Psalm 3:8).