Calvinism emphasizes the sovereignty of God in all aspects of life, including salvation. It teaches the concept of predestination, which means that God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned. Calvinists also believe in the total depravity of humanity, meaning that all people are born sinful and unable to choose God on their own. Salvation is seen as a gift from God that cannot be earned through good works. Calvinism is known for its emphasis on the authority of scripture, the importance of living a godly life, and the belief in the perseverance of the saints, meaning that those who are truly saved will remain faithful to God until the end.