What is Calvinism, and how does it differ from Arminianism? In this video, Dr. Phil Fernandes, President of the Institute of Biblical Defense and pastor of Trinity Bible Fellowship, breaks down one of the most debated theological questions in Protestant Christianity — clearly, fairly, and with respect for both sides.

Dr. Fernandes walks through the five points of Calvinism — the TULIP acronym — and compares each point to the classical Arminianism of Jacob Arminius himself (not the watered-down versions common today):

• T — Total Depravity: Both Calvinists and Arminius agree man cannot save himself — but Arminius adds prevenient grace that sets the will free to respond

• U — Unconditional Election: Calvin says God chose the elect with no condition; Arminius says God chose those He foreknew would freely accept Christ

• L — Limited Atonement: Calvin says Christ died only for the elect; Arminius (and Dr. Fernandes) say Scripture teaches unlimited atonement for all mankind

• I — Irresistible Grace: Calvin says God's saving grace cannot be resisted; Arminius says grace is real but can still be rejected

• P — Perseverance of the Saints: Calvin says the elect cannot lose salvation; Arminius wavered — and this is the one point where Dr. Fernandes sides with Calvin