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Calvinism is the name for a type of theology begun by John Calvin. There are five main doctrines of Calvinism, traditionally represented by the acronym TULIP.
T: Total depravity. Every human being is born sinful and utterly unworthy of being saved and going to heaven.
U: Unconditional election. God, being all-powerful, decides who will be saved and who will not. Those who God "elects" to be saved will be called by Him, repent, and go to heaven. Those whom God does not elect will not be saved. Thus Calvinists reject the doctrine of human free will.
L: Limited atonement. Jesus died only for the elect - for those who are saved - not for all of mankind.
I: Irresistible grace. Those whom God calls to be saved cannot refuse. The elect will be moved by the Holy Spirit and they will be converted. Thus human beings play no real part in their own salvation.
P: Perseverance of saints. Once a person is saved, he or she cannot lose salvation.
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