Beloved in Christ

As the autumn leaves fall and the year draws towards its end, November offers us a time to refl ect on God's unchanging grace. In our Reformed tradition, we often summarise that grace through the fi ve points of Calvinism — known by the simple acronym TULIP . Each letter represents a doctrine, but these doctrines are not cold theology; they are warm truths that shape our worship, strengthen our assurance, and humble our hearts before a sovereign God. I am preaching through each of these Doctrines this November.

Here is a brief summary so let's walk through each letter together, seeing how they speak into our daily Christian lives.

T - Total Depravity. The first truth reminds us of our utter need for grace. Because of Adam's sin, all mankind is fallen — not merely sick, but spiritually dead. Paul writes, “And you were dead in your transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1, LSB). This means every part of our nature — mind, will, and affections — is corrupted by sin. We cannot save ourselves, nor can we even seek God apart from His grace. This humbles us and strips away all pride. The Christian life begins not with what we do, but with what God has done. We live each day aware that any goodness in us is His work, not ours.

U - Unconditional Election. Before the foundation of the world, God chose a people for Himself, not based on foreseen merit or faith, but purely out of His sovereign love. “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us” (Ephesians 1:4-5, LSB). This doctrine is not meant to spark pride or debate, but worship. If our salvation depends on His mercy and not our performance, then our hearts rest secure. In life's uncertainty, election assures us that God's plan will stand. As we serve, pray, and persevere, we do so not to earn His favour, but because we already have it in Christ.

L - Limited Atonement. At the cross, Jesus did not merely make salvation possible — He made it certain for His people. He laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:15). His death actually accomplished redemption, rather than merely offering it. This truth fuels our gratitude and our mission. Christ's atonement was not wasted; it was effectual. He bore our sins on that tree, securing our reconciliation. When we evangelise, we do so knowing that His sheep will hear His voice (John 10:27). The gospel cannot fail because Christ has already purchased His people. Revelation 13:8 tells us that before the foundation of the earth, every true believer's name was already in the Lamb's Book of Life.

I - Irresistible Grace. When the Holy Spirit calls a sinner to life, that call cannot finally be resisted. God's grace does not merely invite; it transforms. “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out” (John 6:37, LSB). This gives us hope — for ourselves, for our children, and for the hardest of hearts. Salvation is not the result of human willpower but of divine power. When grace comes, the sinner's heart is made new, the blind see, and the rebel bows in love. Daily, we depend on that same grace to sustain us in obedience and joy.

P - Perseverance of the Saints. Those whom God has called and justified will never be lost. Our perseverance rests not on our strength but on God's sustaining power. “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life... nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, LSB). In a world of instability, this promise anchors our souls. Even when we stumble, the Lord upholds us. The true believer may fall, but he will not fall away. God finishes what He begins.

Living the Christian Life through TULIP. These five points are not five cold petals of doctrine — they form a living flower of grace. Together they remind us:

We were hopelessly lost ( T ); Yet chosen by God ( U ); Redeemed by Christ's definite work ( L ); Drawn by sovereign grace ( I ); And kept forever by God's faithfulness ( P ).

Such truths produce humility, holiness, and hope. They drive us to prayer, deepen our worship, and give us confidence in God's promises. As we face trials, temptations, and the weariness of this world, TULIP reminds us that salvation belongs to the Lord — from beginning to end.

So, dear brothers and sisters, let us walk through November — and indeed all of life — in the fragrance of this sovereign grace. May our hearts overfl ow with thanksgiving to the God who saves sinners completely, unconditionally, and eternally in Jesus Christ.

In Christ's love and for His glory,

Francois