What does 'reprobate' mean in the Bible?

The term "reprobate" is a profound and weighty concept in the Bible, carrying significant theological implications. To understand it fully, we must delve into both the original languages of the Scriptures and the broader context of biblical theology. The term "reprobate" appears in various forms throughout the Bible, primarily in the New Testament, and is often associated with themes of sin, judgment, and divine sovereignty.

In the New Testament, the Greek word often translated as "reprobate" is "adokimos," which literally means "not standing the test," "unapproved," or "rejected." This term is used in several key passages that help us to understand its meaning and implications.

One of the most notable uses of "adokimos" is found in Romans 1:28, where the Apostle Paul writes, "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient" (KJV). Here, Paul describes a group of people who have deliberately chosen to reject God and His truth. As a result, God gives them over to a "reprobate mind," allowing them to pursue their sinful desires without restraint. This passage underscores the seriousness of rejecting God's revelation and the resulting consequences of such a choice.

The concept of a "reprobate mind" suggests a state of moral and spiritual corruption so profound that a person becomes incapable of recognizing or choosing good. It is a condition where the conscience is seared, and the individual is left to follow their own depraved inclinations. This idea is echoed in other passages, such as 2 Timothy 3:8, where Paul speaks of those who "resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith" (KJV). These individuals are characterized by their opposition to the truth and their moral decay.

Theologically, the term "reprobate" is often contrasted with "elect." While the elect are those whom God has chosen for salvation, the reprobate are those who are left in their sin and ultimately face divine judgment. This distinction is rooted in the doctrine of predestination, which is a central theme in Reformed theology. According to this doctrine, God's sovereign choice determines the eternal destiny of every individual. As Paul writes in Romans 9:18, "Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth" (KJV).

The notion of reprobation raises challenging questions about the nature of God's justice and mercy. How can a loving and just God allow some individuals to remain in a state of reprobation? To address this, we must consider the broader biblical narrative of sin and redemption.

The Bible teaches that all humanity is born in sin and is deserving of God's judgment (Romans 3:23, 6:23). In His justice, God has every right to condemn sinners. However, in His mercy, He has provided a way of salvation through Jesus Christ. Those who respond to the gospel in faith are saved and become part of the elect, while those who persist in unbelief remain in their reprobate state.

It is crucial to recognize that reprobation is not an arbitrary decree but is linked to human responsibility. People are reprobate not because God arbitrarily condemns them, but because they choose to reject His truth and persist in their sin. As Jesus said in John 3:19, "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (KJV).

The concept of reprobation also serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the urgency of the gospel message. It calls believers to a deeper sense of humility and gratitude for God's grace, recognizing that salvation is entirely a gift of God's mercy, not a result of human effort or merit. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (KJV).

Moreover, the doctrine of reprobation underscores the importance of evangelism and discipleship. Knowing that some are in a state of reprobation should compel Christians to share the gospel with urgency and compassion, praying that God would soften hearts and bring many to repentance and faith.

In Christian literature, the concept of reprobation has been discussed extensively by theologians such as John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards. In his work "Institutes of the Christian Religion," Calvin emphasizes God's sovereignty in election and reprobation, arguing that God's justice is beyond human comprehension. Edwards, in his sermons and writings, highlights the gravity of sin and the necessity of a genuine conversion experience.

In summary, the term "reprobate" in the Bible refers to a state of moral and spiritual rejection, where individuals are left to follow their sinful inclinations without restraint. It is a condition resulting from a deliberate rejection of God's truth and is contrasted with the state of the elect, who are chosen for salvation. The doctrine of reprobation underscores the seriousness of sin, the urgency of the gospel, and the sovereignty of God in salvation. It calls believers to humility, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to evangelism and discipleship.