A Calvinist or a Reformed person is someone who believes in the absolute freedom and sovereignty of God, and that salvation is God’s work alone, without any contribution to it from man. It is often written as TULIP for short, with each letter representing a doctrine related to salvation:

T – Total Depravity, or Total Inability. All of man, including his will, is completely depraved and is completely unwilling and thus unable to choose God.

U – Unconditional Election. There is no merit or good work in man that causes God to choose him for salvation. God’s choosing of some to salvation is an act of His grace alone.

L – Limited Atonement, or Particular Redemption. The sacrifice of Christ was intended to save only the elect, propitiate all their sins, and purchase everything needed for their salvation.

I – Irresistable grace, or Effectual Calling. When God intends to save someone, He always succeeds.

P – Perseverance of the Saints. All of those in Christ will persevere to the end. The elect can never be lost