A Reprobate Mind
- Funke Otiwhor Ajigboye
- Mar 4
- 8 min read
Updated: Mar 5
Understanding Reprobation Through Scripture
In Romans 1:18-32, we encounter a profound warning about the dangers of ignoring God. The verse that stands out is Romans 1:28, which states:
"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting."
What Does the Word Reprobate Mean?
The term "reprobate" can be defined as an unprincipled or depraved person, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as a person of bad character and habits.
In biblical terms, "reprobate" refers to those morally corrupt individuals who have been rejected by God, often due to their persistent sinfulness and refusal to repent. This concept is closely tied to divine judgment and the consequences of a hardened heart.
The Warning from Paul
In his letter to the Romans, Paul warns of God's wrath against sinful humanity:
"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness." — Romans 1:18
Paul explains that godlessness and wickedness arose because, although they knew God, they failed to glorify Him or give thanks. Instead, they became self-centred, leading to futile thinking and darkened hearts. They believed themselves wise, yet they became fools.
The Consequences of Rejecting God
As a result of their choices, God allowed them to pursue their sinful desires:
"Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen." — Romans 1:25-26
They chose to worship created things instead of the Creator, leading to shameful lusts and the abandonment of natural relations, resulting in acts that were contrary to God's design.
"In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error." — Romans 1:27
By rejecting the knowledge of God, they were given over to a reprobate mind, allowing them to indulge in unrighteousness and disobedience.
Manifestations of a Reprobate Mind
The reprobate mind is characterised by various forms of wickedness, including:
Every kind of evil
Greed and depravity
Envy and murder
Strife and deceit
Malice and gossip
Slander and hatred of God
Arrogance and boasting
Lack of understanding, fidelity, love, and mercy
These individuals, despite knowing the consequences of their actions, continue to sin and even approve of others who do the same.
Today's Relevance
In our contemporary world, many ideologies contradict God's word, reflecting a society that has rejected divine knowledge, much like the reprobate mind described by Paul. In their quest for wisdom, many have become fools, forgetting that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10).
True godly wisdom honours God and leads to obedience. James 3:17 beautifully describes heavenly wisdom:
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." — James 3:17
This divine wisdom contrasts sharply with earthly wisdom, which leads to disorder and evil.
Renewing Your Mind With God's Word
Now is the time for true worshippers to stand strong in righteousness and resist the ways of this world. As Romans 12:2 reminds us:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." — Romans 12:2
Let us invite the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, guiding us toward His perfect will.
Steps to Renew Your Mind
Surrender Your Life to Jesus Christ. The journey of renewing your mind begins with accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Remember, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." — 2 Corinthians 5:21
Daily Engage with God's Word. Make it a habit to read, study, and meditate on the Scriptures each day. As Joshua 1:8 instructs:
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. — Joshua 1:8
Seek Wisdom through Prayer. Talk to God and ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance in areas where you need help. Remember, God's Word has the power to transform and save. As Hebrews 4:12 states:
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. — Hebrews 4:12
Build Your Faith. Strengthen your faith by believing in God's promises found in His Word. Declare them over your life. "So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ." — Romans 10:17
Walk in Obedience. Live a life that aligns with God's Word. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." — Galatians 5:16
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for my sins and for the gift of salvation. I surrender my life to You. Please come into my heart, wash me clean, and make me new. Thank You, Lord, for I know I am saved. Amen.
References
The Reprobate Mind - Jim Feeney
Understanding Reprobation Through Scripture
In Romans 1:18-32, we find a strong warning about the dangers of ignoring God. A key verse is Romans 1:28:
"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting."
What Does the Word Reprobate Mean?
The word "reprobate" describes a person who is morally corrupt or unprincipled. The Cambridge Dictionary adds that it refers to someone with bad character and habits.
In the Bible, "reprobate" refers to those who have turned away from God. These individuals often persist in sin and refuse to repent. This concept is closely linked to God's judgment and the results of a hardened heart.
The Warning from Paul
In his letter to the Romans, Paul warns of God's wrath against sinful humanity:
"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness." — Romans 1:18
Paul explains that godlessness and wickedness arise when people, despite knowing God, fail to glorify Him or give thanks. Instead, they become self-centered, leading to misguided thinking and darkened hearts. They think they are wise, but they become fools.
The Consequences of Rejecting God
Because of their choices, God allowed them to pursue their sinful desires:
"Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen." — Romans 1:25-26
They chose to worship created things instead of the Creator, leading to shameful desires and abandoning natural relationships, resulting in acts contrary to God's design.
"In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error." — Romans 1:27
By rejecting the knowledge of God, they were given over to a reprobate mind, allowing them to indulge in unrighteousness and disobedience.
Manifestations of a Reprobate Mind
A reprobate mind shows various forms of wickedness, including:
Every kind of evil
Greed and depravity
Envy and murder
Strife and deceit
Malice and gossip
Slander and hatred of God
Arrogance and boasting
Lack of understanding, fidelity, love, and mercy
These individuals, even knowing the consequences of their actions, continue to sin and approve of others who do the same.
Today's Relevance
In our world today, many ideas contradict God's word, reflecting a society that has turned away from divine knowledge, much like the reprobate mind described by Paul. In seeking wisdom, many have become fools, forgetting that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10).
True wisdom honors God and leads to obedience. James 3:17 beautifully describes heavenly wisdom:
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." — James 3:17
This divine wisdom stands in stark contrast to earthly wisdom, which leads to disorder and evil.
Renewing Your Mind With God's Word
Now is the time for true worshippers to stand strong in righteousness and resist the ways of this world. As Romans 12:2 reminds us:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." — Romans 12:2
Let us invite the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, guiding us toward His perfect will.
Steps to Renew Your Mind
Surrender Your Life to Jesus Christ. Begin your journey of renewal by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Remember, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." — 2 Corinthians 5:21
Daily Engage with God's Word. Make it a habit to read, study, and meditate on the Scriptures each day. As Joshua 1:8 instructs:
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." — Joshua 1:8
Seek Wisdom through Prayer. Talk to God and ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance in areas where you need help. God's Word has the power to transform and save. As Hebrews 4:12 states:
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." — Hebrews 4:12
Build Your Faith. Strengthen your faith by believing in God's promises found in His Word. Declare them over your life. "So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ." — Romans 10:17
Walk in Obedience. Live a life that aligns with God's Word. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." — Galatians 5:16
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for my sins and for the gift of salvation. I surrender my life to You. Please come into my heart, wash me clean, and make me new. Thank You, Lord, for I know I am saved. Amen.
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