does the Bible state that from Adam all men are sinful, but just observing the current culture and human nature throughout history explicates the absolute wickedness of the heart. The Bible also says (Jeremiah 17.6), "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" Puritans were strong believers in unconditional election, Calvin's next point.God calls the predestined elect out of total depravity to become his saints. The calling is of God's free and special grace alone. Under Calvinism, it is understood that no amount of works can get one to heaven. Works are totally irrelevant, and God was not obligated to save anyone. He alone would select who would become his saints and no person would know who would or would not be saved. Therefore it was accepted that all Calvinists must be submissive to Gods Divine Will, lest they be "chosen" or deemed worthy. Another belief of Calvinists was the idea of limited atonement. This belief suggests that although Christ died for the sins of man, he did not die for the salvation of all people. Those who are not elected can never come to Christ. Christs sacrifice did prove Gods love for mankind, but there will be some people going to Hell, nonetheless. The next point is irresistible grace. Calvin taught that those who God allowed into His arms (the elect) can neither entirely nor ultimately fall away from the grace of God, but shall forever persevere and find peace. Gods grace provided the power to resist temptation and offered a newness of life. This belief provided the Puritans with hope for peace and joy in their lives.Finally, Calvinists believed in the perseverance of the saints. It was thought that Gods chosen had the power to carry out Gods will. As a result of being "chosen", they would lead much more prosperous lives than their non-chosen counterparts. It was thought of as the logical conclusion to the Gods absolute Sovereignty. Calvinists had very distinct ide...
