I hold to the Doctrines of Grace in their full expression, often summarized by the five points of Calvinism, though this label can obscure more than it illumines. I prefer to speak of:

• Total depravity, mankind is fallen in every part of his being; the natural man is dead in sin, unable and unwilling to come to God apart from divine grace (Eph. 2:1–3; Rom. 3:10–18).
• Unconditional election, God chose a definite people for salvation before the foundation of the world, not on the basis of any foreseen faith or merit, but purely according to the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:4–5; Rom. 9:11–13).
• Definite atonement, Christ’s death actually secured the redemption of all for whom it was intended: the elect, His sheep, those given to Him by the Father (John 6:37–39; 10:11, 15). It was not a potential redemption for all without exception, but an actual redemption for all without distinction.
• Irresistible grace, the Holy Spirit’s effectual call is not an invitation that can be refused; He sovereignly regenerates the heart, gives faith and repentance, and draws the sinner irresistibly to Christ (John 6:44; Ezek. 36:26–27).
• Perseverance of the saints, all whom God has truly regenerated will be kept by His power through faith to final salvation; true believers cannot finally fall away from grace (John 10:28–29; Phil. 1:6).

I believe justification is by grace alone, through faith alone, on account of Christ alone. Faith is the instrument of justification, not its ground. The ground is the righteousness of Christ, imputed to the believer. This is the article by which the church stands or falls.

Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer, making them more conformed to the image of Christ. It is genuine and progressive, but always imperfect in this life. It is distinguished from justification but inseparable from it: the same faith that justifies also transforms.