How many points of TULIP must you believe to be considered Reformed?

[lee richardson jr]

Very intresting topic! The break-down of "protestant" denominations has often times carried much heated controversy.

We must believe that God has preserved the Truth of His Word through generations - and that's how we come across "Calvinist" or "Reformers".

It is my belief that many attach the name of a man based on his greatest work or most memorable / and not his entire belief. Having said that - many associate with John Calvin on his systematic way of understanding the doctrine of Predestination - giving them 5 points (better understood as T.U.L.I.P. / just an acronym).

Now, what is commonly known as the "Reformed Doctrine" encompases John Calvins understanding of Predestination - and goes further to other doctrines that are stated in the bible (take a look at the Westminster Confessions). Just so happens that Calivn took hold of many of these doctines.

So what is really important?

1. That we all share the same understanding of the "essential truth's" of God's Word (The 5 solas)

2. Study scripture and "rightly divide it"...


Through my own study of the Word, I believe that the Reformed Doctrine best hold to an accurate and consistent understanding of the Bible.