REPROBATE

REPROBATE

“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” Rom. 1:28

 

“did not like to retain” The basic reason for all evolutionary religion, from atheism and humanism to ancient Babylonian paganism to modern New Age pantheism is that men and women did not like to believe in the God of creation. Therefore, they diligently sought to find some form of evolutionary explanation for the world with which they could be more comfortable.

“gave them over” Note the sad sequence of events: (1) because of their deliberate repudiation of God, God “gave them up to uncleanness” (Romans 1:24); (2) Because they worshipped and served the creation more than the Creator, God “gave them up unto vile affections” (Romans 1:26); (3) because they did not want even to know anything about God, God “gave them over to a reprobate mind” (Rom. 1:28). Long ago, God said: “My Spirit shall not always strive with man” (Gen. 6:3). Sounds like Pharaoh.

The word reprobate in the original means disapproved; it fails to stand the test. Literally, they did not approve of keeping God in their thinking, or knowing.

KJV term used in two senses:

1. That which fails to meet a test and is thus rejected as unworthy or unacceptable, as impure silver (Jer. 6:30); or persons (2 Cor. 13:5-7; Titus 1:16).

2. That which is depraved or without morals (Rom. 1:28; 2 Tim. 3:8). NAS and RSV used reprobate to mean one rejected by God (Psa. 15:4).