Dake Bible Discussion Board ⇒ Exploring Reprobation in the King James Bible: A Theological Inquiry

[Spiritblade Disciple]

An article written with the help of Grok.

Exploring Reprobation in the King James Bible: A Theological Inquiry

In the realm of biblical theology, few concepts provoke as much debate and introspection as reprobation. Derived from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, the term "reprobate" and its associated ideas touch on profound questions of divine judgment, human responsibility, salvation, and the possibility of spiritual transformation. This article synthesizes a series of inquiries into reprobation, drawing exclusively from the KJV text, employing strict logical reasoning, and applying rigorous scrutiny to the Scriptures. We will define the term, examine its compatibility with salvation, clarify its etymology, assess its permanence, explore the potential for a saved individual to fall into such a state, and analyze how key passages like 2 Timothy 2:25-26 and 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 illuminate the doctrine. Our goal is to pursue truth-seeking without partisan bias, relying on the plain reading of the text and logical inference.


Defining a Reprobate in the KJV

To begin, we must establish what the KJV means by "reprobate." The word appears primarily in the New Testament, translated from the Greek adokimos, which conveys the sense of "unapproved," "rejected," or "worthless" after testing—like metal found impure. Logically, this implies a state of moral or spiritual failure under divine examination.

Key passages illustrate this:

• Romans 1:28: "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." Here, reprobation is a consequence of willful rejection of God, resulting in a depraved mindset that pursues unseemly actions. Scrutiny reveals this as a judicial act: God does not force sin but abandons the rejector to their chosen path.
• 2 Timothy 3:8: "Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith." This describes opposition to truth, marking individuals as rejected in matters of faith.
• Titus 1:16: "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." Hypocrisy is evident: outward claims of godliness are contradicted by actions, rendering them unfit for righteous deeds.

Rigorously, a reprobate is not merely a sinner but one hardened in rejection of God's truth, abandoned to corruption. This state is not innate but emerges from persistent choices, as logic dictates that God's "giving over" presupposes human agency.


Can One Be Saved and Reprobate Simultaneously?

Logic demands we next address compatibility: Is it possible, per the KJV, to be genuinely saved while being a reprobate? The answer, upon scrutiny, is no—the two are mutually exclusive.

Salvation entails justification by faith, forgiveness, and transformation (Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:3). A saved person is indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9) and produces fruit (Matthew 7:16-20). In contrast, reprobation involves rejection of truth and divine abandonment to sin.

• Romans 1:28 portrays the reprobate mind as judgment for rejecting God, antithetical to the reconciled state of salvation (Romans 5:10).
• Titus 1:16 shows reprobates denying God in works, while true salvation yields obedience (Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:17).
• 1 John 3:9 states, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." While believers may sin, they do not persist in the unrepentant depravity of a reprobate.

If one appears both, logic suggests a false profession (1 John 2:19). Only God discerns the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), but the states are incompatible.


The Etymology of Reprobation: Dispelling Misconceptions

A common query arises: Does "reprobation" mean "to put on probation, again"? Etymological scrutiny reveals this is false.

"Reprobation" derives from Latin reprobation ("rejection" or "disapproval"), from reprobare ("to reject" or "condemn as worthless"). The prefix "re-" here intensifies rejection, not repetition. In contrast, "probation" stems from probatio ("testing"), implying a trial period.
Biblically, reprobation aligns with rejection, as in Romans 1:28's "reprobate mind"—a state of divine disapproval, not a renewed test. This clarification is crucial for logical theology, preventing folk etymologies from distorting doctrine.


Is "Once a Reprobate, Always a Reprobate" Biblically True?

The statement "Once a reprobate, always a reprobate" lacks explicit KJV support and, upon rigorous analysis, is not universally true. While some passages suggest hardening, others emphasize repentance.

Supporting permanence:

• Romans 1:28 and Hebrews 6:4-6 warn of irreversible states where persistent rejection leads to no renewal of repentance.
• 2 Timothy 3:8 depicts reprobates resisting truth, implying entrenched corruption.

Countering it:

• Ezekiel 33:11: God desires the wicked to "turn from his way and live," implying reprobates (as wicked) can repent.
• 2 Peter 3:9: God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
• Examples like the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) and Paul (1 Timothy 1:13-15) show transformation from sin-laden states.

Logically, reprobation describes a current condition, not eternal inevitability. God may grant repentance (2 Timothy 2:25), and His power is limitless (Luke 1:37). The statement holds for some hardened cases but not all.


Can a Saved Person Become a Reprobate?
Scrutiny of apostasy passages suggests a genuinely saved person is unlikely to become reprobate, though warnings exist.

Salvation's security:

• John 10:27-29: Believers "shall never perish," protected by God.
• Ephesians 1:13-14: Sealed by the Holy Spirit.
• 1 John 3:9 and 2 Corinthians 5:17: A new nature resists persistent sin.

Warnings of falling:

• Hebrews 6:4-6 and 10:26-27: Those enlightened may fall irreparably.
• 2 Peter 2:20-21: Returning to sin worsens one's state.

Reconciliation: 1 John 2:19 indicates apostates "were not of us." Logic infers true salvation perseveres (Philippians 1:6), while reprobation reveals false faith. Warnings urge vigilance (1 Corinthians 10:12), but genuine believers are preserved (Jude 1:24).


2 Timothy 2:25-26 and Reprobation: Hope Amid Opposition
How does 2 Timothy 2:25-26 fit? It offers hope, contrasting reprobation's hardness.

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil...

These "opposers" resemble reprobates (2 Timothy 3:8), yet God may grant repentance, enabling escape from Satan's snare. Logically, this suggests reprobation is not immediate; meek instruction and divine grace can intervene before final hardening.


2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 and Reprobation: Divine Delusion as Judgment

Conversely, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 depicts reprobation's severity in end-times context.

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth... God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned...

This mirrors Romans 1:28's "giving over": Rejection of truth prompts God's delusion, confirming unbelief and pleasure in unrighteousness. Rigorously, it underscores sovereignty—judgment follows choice—paralleling reprobation as condemnation for persistent rebellion.


Conclusion: A Call to Self-Examination

Reprobation in the KJV warns of the perils of rejecting God's truth, balancing divine judgment with mercy's offer. Logically, it is incompatible with salvation, not a "second probation," potentially reversible through repentance, and unlikely for the truly saved. Passages like 2 Timothy 2:25-26 extend hope, while 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 affirm judgment's gravity. Let us heed Hebrews 3:13, examining our hearts lest sin harden us.

Discuss below: How does this align with your understanding?

[Hill Top]

An article written with the help of Grok.

Exploring Reprobation in the King James Bible: A Theological Inquiry

[*]1 John 3:9 states, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." While believers may sin, they do not persist in the unrepentant depravity of a reprobate.

I agree with all of the Grok findings except the one above.
Those reborn of God's seed are as likely to commit sin as an apple seed is to bear oranges.
The seed, in this case God's, cannot bear the fruit of any other seed.
Sinners bear the fruit of Adam's seed...not God's.
Sinners are not reborn of God's seed.