Irresistible Grace: Word of the Week

Irresistible Grace

The “I” in TULIP. A doctrine found in both Augustine’s and Calvin’s theology that teaches that God’s special (saving) grace cannot or will not be resisted once it is given. This special grace is only given to the elect (those whom God has chosen for salvation) whereas God’s common grace is given to all mankind. It is irresistible because God’s saving grace changes the disposition of the human will (desire) so that it is inclined toward God. Once this change is made, a person will not resist the Lord because he does not want to resist Him.

To access more definitions, go to The Lutheran Lexicon.