PG4Him
Senior Member
Essay Moderator
Posts: 3,570
|
Post by PG4Him on Nov 6, 2018 12:59:22 GMT -5
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 (Romans 1:28)
Ask a typical Christian what reprobate means (based on this famous verse), and he will probably say it means depraved, perverted, or irredeemable. Because of the perversion Paul describes in Romans 1, we tend to think that reprobation is directly tied to perversion. But that's not precisely the case.
Romans 1 is a lesson in what happens when we try to manipulate the knowledge of God's truth. Notice how Paul starts this sequence in verse 18 by identifying men "who hold the truth in unrighteousness." How do you hold the truth in unrighteousness? This is about men (and women) whose natural condition/environment made the truth plainly manifest to them. Paul says outright in verse 19 "that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them." In verse 20 Paul even says they are without excuse. God's obvious truth is hitting them in the face.
Then we see in verse 21 that these men "knew God" but refused to glorify Him. Turning aside from practical truth, they got lost in "vain imaginations" which darkened their hearts. In other words, they rejected the reality in front of them to live in a world of delusion, fantasy, make-believe, and psychosocial manipulation.
Does this sound like anyone you know? How many people do you know who would rather get lost in video games, internet debates, online romances, or wacky supernatural experiences because they don't want to deal with real life? This is what Paul described in the bottom half of Romans 1.
In verse 23, these men changed the glory of God into the image of corruption. By exalting the corruptible human condition to the level of God's glory, they "changed the truth of God into a lie" and "worshipped and served the creature." If you convince yourself that the human body is a divine thing to be worshipped, there's only one logical station up next on that train track: sexual promiscuity.
Then look at verse 26: for this cause God let them fall into vile affections. For what cause? Not the cause of perversion itself, but the cause of railing against God's manifest truth in biology.
And now we see this:
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
Because they refused the knowledge of God, they received a reprobate mind.
The word reprobate (as the KJV intended it) meant useless or defective. It described something that couldn't pass a quality inspection. The men in Romans 1 fell into perversion and depravity because their minds actually lost the ability to be rational. Their minds could no longer put 2 and 2 together when basic math hit them in the face. Because they went so long resisting common sense, their minds actually snapped. Thus we see in verses 29-32 that these men eventually descended into utter madness.
A reprobate mind is a useless, undeveloped mind that cannot follow a clear train of thought. It cannot accept God's manifest truth because it can't process information without some sort of deviation. This is how the Bible shows us a man with a broken mind.
Just like with the word prodigal, the original meaning of reprobate was changed over time. So many people starting using reprobate to describe depravity that this eventually became the new meaning of the word.
If you know someone who struggles with A) being present in real life, and B) accepting common sense, these are symptoms of a person drifting toward a reprobate mind. It may be because they rejected God's plain truth in their youth, or perhaps it may be because their family raised them in a world of irrational delusion. Either way, you should recognize that "talking sense into them" doesn't work because they simply cannot process rational sense. What you need to do is to pray for God to heal their minds.
The Bible doesn't say a reprobate mind is a permanent condition. There is only one unforgivable sin. Paul called himself the chief of sinners, knowing it made him a worse sinner than the men in Romans 1. If you know someone in this situation, don't lose hope that God can heal him. Pray for wisdom in ministering to him effectively as you wait for God to bring sanity back into his mind.
If you are reading this and you feel like you're struggling to keep your grip on reality, please know there is hope. We would love a chance to minister to you. Just reach out to us. No condemnation, just thoughtful, sensitive Biblical counsel that can help you regain control and bring righteous conviction that leads to repentance.
|
|
|
Post by 2fw8212a on Nov 6, 2018 16:47:46 GMT -5
The Bible doesn't say a reprobate mind is a permanent condition. There is only one unforgivable sin. "Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." - Mark 9:23
"He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy." - Proverbs 28:13
"...is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9
"...unless you repent you will all likewise perish." - Luke 13:3
"He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son." - Revelation 21:7What you need to do is to pray for God to heal their minds. "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." - Matthew 7:12Blessings, blessings in Jesus' name!
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Nov 6, 2018 17:06:58 GMT -5
THATS RIGHT LETTERS . THATS RIGHT . POINT TO JESUS . POINT to CHRIST . Raise those hands everyone and let us give thanks unto GOD .
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Nov 6, 2018 17:32:23 GMT -5
YOU LOVED SISTER CANDACE . A reprobate mind is all those things . and only gets worse so long as one walks in darkness .
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Nov 6, 2018 17:33:08 GMT -5
Which shows the fruits of many churches , THEY walk in total darkness, IF they approve wickedness , calling it LOVE .
|
|
Cletus
Senior Member
Posts: 2,517
|
Post by Cletus on Nov 6, 2018 20:53:31 GMT -5
lust = Spiritual adultery = idolatry.
1Jn 5:21Â Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.Â
there is hope for a reprobate mind... that is to be renewed... which is to keep God in your mind/knowledge. basicly its saying they chose to walk in the flesh.
|
|
|
Post by John on Nov 7, 2018 7:43:12 GMT -5
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 (Romans 1:28)Ask a typical Christian what reprobate means (based on this famous verse), and he will probably say it means depraved, perverted, or irredeemable. Because of the perversion Paul describes in Romans 1, we tend to think that reprobation is directly tied to perversion. But that's not precisely the case. Romans 1 is a lesson in what happens when we try to manipulate the knowledge of God's truth. Notice how Paul starts this sequence in verse 18 by identifying men "who hold the truth in unrighteousness." How do you hold the truth in unrighteousness? This is about men (and women) whose natural condition/environment made the truth plainly manifest to them. Paul says outright in verse 19 "that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them." In verse 20 Paul even says they are without excuse. God's obvious truth is hitting them in the face. Then we see in verse 21 that these men "knew God" but refused to glorify Him. Turning aside from practical truth, they got lost in "vain imaginations" which darkened their hearts. In other words, they rejected the reality in front of them to live in a world of delusion, fantasy, make-believe, and psychosocial manipulation. Does this sound like anyone you know? How many people do you know who would rather get lost in video games, internet debates, online romances, or wacky supernatural experiences because they don't want to deal with real life? This is what Paul described in the bottom half of Romans 1. In verse 23, these men changed the glory of God into the image of corruption. By exalting the corruptible human condition to the level of God's glory, they "changed the truth of God into a lie" and "worshipped and served the creature." If you convince yourself that the human body is a divine thing to be worshipped, there's only one logical station up next on that train track: sexual promiscuity. Then look at verse 26: for this cause God let them fall into vile affections. For what cause? Not the cause of perversion itself, but the cause of railing against God's manifest truth in biology. And now we see this: 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 Because they refused the knowledge of God, they received a reprobate mind. The word reprobate (as the KJV intended it) meant useless or defective. It described something that couldn't pass a quality inspection. The men in Romans 1 fell into perversion and depravity because their minds actually lost the ability to be rational. Their minds could no longer put 2 and 2 together when basic math hit them in the face. Because they went so long resisting common sense, their minds actually snapped. Thus we see in verses 29-32 that these men eventually descended into utter madness. A reprobate mind is a useless, undeveloped mind that cannot follow a clear train of thought. It cannot accept God's manifest truth because it can't process information without some sort of deviation. This is how the Bible shows us a man with a broken mind. Just like with the word prodigal, the original meaning of reprobate was changed over time. So many people starting using reprobate to describe depravity that this eventually became the new meaning of the word. If you know someone who struggles with A) being present in real life, and B) accepting common sense, these are symptoms of a person drifting toward a reprobate mind. It may be because they rejected God's plain truth in their youth, or perhaps it may be because their family raised them in a world of irrational delusion. Either way, you should recognize that "talking sense into them" doesn't work because they simply cannot process rational sense. What you need to do is to pray for God to heal their minds. The Bible doesn't say a reprobate mind is a permanent condition. There is only one unforgivable sin. Paul called himself the chief of sinners, knowing it made him a worse sinner than the men in Romans 1. If you know someone in this situation, don't lose hope that God can heal him. Pray for wisdom in ministering to him effectively as you wait for God to bring sanity back into his mind. If you are reading this and you feel like you're struggling to keep your grip on reality, please know there is hope. We would love a chance to minister to you. Just reach out to us. No condemnation, just thoughtful, sensitive Biblical counsel that can help you regain control and bring righteous conviction that leads to repentance. Great topic. This brings up a couple of questions. First, does sin lead to a reprobate mind or does a reprobate mind lead to sin? If I understand this correctly, the sin of rejecting God leads to a reprobate mind. It is a type of punishment for rejecting God. This leads to more sin, like homosexual behavior. I would also suggest that this reprobate mind leads to crazy ideas, like the notion we evolved from monkeys. As such, a reprobate mind is a type of mental illness that only God can heal, rather than the sin itself.
|
|
PG4Him
Senior Member
Essay Moderator
Posts: 3,570
|
Post by PG4Him on Nov 7, 2018 9:15:45 GMT -5
Great topic. This brings up a couple of questions. First, does sin lead to a reprobate mind or does a reprobate mind lead to sin? If I understand this correctly, the sin of rejecting God leads to a reprobate mind. It is a type of punishment for rejecting God. This leads to more sin, like homosexual behavior. I would also suggest that this reprobate mind leads to crazy ideas, like the notion we evolved from monkeys. As such, a reprobate mind is a type of mental illness that only God can heal, rather than the sin itself.
People can dig themselves into a hole by habitually doing dangerous behavior.
|
|
|
Post by John on Nov 7, 2018 9:26:57 GMT -5
Great topic. This brings up a couple of questions. First, does sin lead to a reprobate mind or does a reprobate mind lead to sin? If I understand this correctly, the sin of rejecting God leads to a reprobate mind. It is a type of punishment for rejecting God. This leads to more sin, like homosexual behavior. I would also suggest that this reprobate mind leads to crazy ideas, like the notion we evolved from monkeys. As such, a reprobate mind is a type of mental illness that only God can heal, rather than the sin itself.
People can dig themselves into a hole by habitually doing dangerous behavior. Based on the OP and what we know, would you think that the road to restoration begins with repentance of the sins that led to their condition, followed by seeking God to heal their mind? I agree with you that God can restore a person like that.
|
|
PG4Him
Senior Member
Essay Moderator
Posts: 3,570
|
Post by PG4Him on Nov 7, 2018 10:08:16 GMT -5
People can dig themselves into a hole by habitually doing dangerous behavior. Based on the OP and what we know, would you think that the road to restoration begins with repentance of the sins that led to their condition, followed by seeking God to heal their mind? I agree with you that God can restore a person like that.
It takes a two-fold approach. They must repent of the behavioral patterns (and pray for God to give them spiritual sorrow unto repentance), and they must choose to believe what the Bible says. Sometimes it's a choice to believe the Bible in faith until we fully understand it. We must actively pursue the kind of mental attitude that reveres God's truth. Keep in mind what Paul said in Romans 1, that we can know the truth without valuing the truth, and this is where the mental trap-door is. Let's have another look at what Paul tells the brethren (all of us) later on in Romans 12: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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.Oh look, here's another connection between the sanctity of our bodies and the sanity of our minds. Whether or not we get so far as the depravity in Romans 1, all of us struggle with some degree of mental reprobation before God changes us. We all need transformed minds.
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Nov 7, 2018 10:51:01 GMT -5
And the thing is , ONLY GOD can even put the desire of repentance in their mind and heart . WHEN I said we are saved soley by grace , BELIEVE ME ITS TRUE . The GOODNESS of GOD leads one to repentance . And we BY HIS SPIRIT are co workers , helpers with the TRUTH . FOR it is BY HIS SPIRIT we are unctioned to warn , rebuke , remind , encourage , EXHORT . When I say a man can truly take no credit , ITS TRUE . FOR were it not FOR HIS SPIRIT , IF HE were to take HIS SPIRIT from us , just as david once said , I WOULD BE LIKE THOSE that GO DOWN INTO THE PIT . SEE WHY I REJOICE in the LORD SO MUCH . OH YES , REJOICE IN THE LORD , BOAST IN THE LORD . AND PRAISE HIS NAME till their is no air left in our lungs . AND EVEN then after death, even after we have breathed our last , YOU BETTER BELEIVE those who are HIS and now PRESENT WITH HIM , ARE GONNA BE PRAISING HIS NAME AND REJOICING with songs . Now leap up and praise the LORD .
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Nov 7, 2018 10:52:44 GMT -5
And yet many on worthy accuse some of us as preaching works save salvation . NOPE we preach JESUS SAVES SALVATION . ITS JUST faith without works , IS DEAD . And works without faith is DEATH .
|
|
|
Post by John on Nov 7, 2018 11:00:54 GMT -5
Based on the OP and what we know, would you think that the road to restoration begins with repentance of the sins that led to their condition, followed by seeking God to heal their mind? I agree with you that God can restore a person like that.
It takes a two-fold approach. They must repent of the behavioral patterns (and pray for God to give them spiritual sorrow unto repentance), and they must choose to believe what the Bible says. Sometimes it's a choice to believe the Bible in faith until we fully understand it. We must actively pursue the kind of mental attitude that reveres God's truth. Keep in mind what Paul said in Romans 1, that we can know the truth without valuing the truth, and this is where the mental trap-door is. Let's have another look at what Paul tells the brethren (all of us) later on in Romans 12: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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.Oh look, here's another connection between the sanctity of our bodies and the sanity of our minds. Whether or not we get so far as the depravity in Romans 1, all of us struggle with some degree of mental reprobation before God changes us. We all need transformed minds. I don't remember hearing it put that way, but I like that simple truth. We can know the truth without valuing the truth. As Esau didn't value his birthright, many don't value the cross or anything spiritual. They know of God, but of their own choice, do not retain God in their knowledge. If you go back a few verses, you will see other things it says about these individuals.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one towards another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 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.
These are people that knew there was a God, as they recognized his existence by the creation. Still, they refused to acknowledge him. They did not give him the glory. They were not thankful. They were vain in their imaginations, which is where I would say men came up with stupid theories like evolution. Their heart became darkened because of this. They went around like great thinkers and intellectuals, making themselves out as wise, but they became fools in the sight of God. They began to be worshippers of God's creation, "Mother Earth." I think we see this in many of the environmental nuts. Part of the creation is men and women, and they began to be filled with lust, but not just for the opposite sex, but for the same sex as well. Since that is what they desired, God gave them up to what he calls, "vile affections," which is homosexual lusts. This gets us to the OP, where they did not want to retain God in their knowledge, so he gave them over to a reprobate mind to do whatever their wicked imaginations desired.
This is a really important topic, and I hope it will lead to anyone who is in this condition coming to repentance and turning to God with their whole heart. As you said, we are not talking about unpardonable sins. The blood of Christ is sufficient to wash away even this kind of iniquity.
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Nov 7, 2018 11:10:58 GMT -5
SISTER CANDACE , we both put likes on it at the same time . Mine was just a hair second faster . I got tickled. because when I hit the like , OUR NAMES POPPED UP ON IT at the same INDENTICAL TIME . YOU LOVED SISTER . I just got a little tickled when it happened .
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Nov 7, 2018 11:15:12 GMT -5
Yall know what is sad . This morning on the IS JESUS a jew post , I was telling just joe to praise the Lord and he called what I wrote bible spam . That was so sad . Maybe he will repent . I mean , if we omit praise to GOD , may as well omit the psalms and other places . I seem to remember a psalmist once said The praise of the LORD on his lips continually . not once a week in church , But continually . TRULY I am just so thankful GOD had mercy on this thing , I GOT ALL REASON TO REJOICE IN HIM at all times . THE JOY of the LORD is our strength and PRAISE THE LORD , HIS salvation IS OUR JOY .
|
|