REPROBATES
Sermon # 446; by Joe McClure; Text: Romans 1. 21-32 ; Date: 11/19/2006
The request has been made to study the concept of whether it is possible for a Christian to sin, and then arrive at a spiritual place where there is no possibility of obtaining God’s forgiveness; and whether such a spiritual state can be properly referenced in the Scriptures which use the word 'reprobate'.
Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;
Hebrews 12:16 Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
Hebrews 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
There is an apostate state in which the guilty party cannot find repentance, as there is no way back; but the question before us today is whether that is what the term ‘reprobate’ has reference to or not.
If a person indeed can become such a reprobate person who cannot receive forgiveness of his sins, he would be in such a state in which none of his sins would be pardonable.
MAIN REFERENCE FOR STUDY: ROMANS 1
In order to study this topic, I want first to direct your minds to Romans 1.
Here, we learn of the tremendous and wonderful power which the gospel message has for those who believe, and allow Christ to change their lives.
All that mankind knows of God’s truth and justice is found in His Holy Scriptures.
GOOD VERSUS EVIL:
The Word of God defines good morality, and establishes for us the limits of good and evil.
The Holy Scriptures, the Bible teaches us about honesty, virtue, purity, compassion, love; in effect, it teaches us of how God would have us to think, to talk, and to act.
Here, we see a contrast made between the specifics of the Christian way of life, and that of the lost sinner.
The message of the gospel reveals to mankind how to live in such a way as to have immortal life.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
Our topic of the ‘reprobates’ speaks mainly in reference to those who have rejected the revelation of God. In other words, the reprobate has no respect for the Bible as God's Word. He does not regard the Bible as having come directly from the Holy Spirit.
Paul, in his opening message to the saints at Rome, speaks of the wrath of God upon all men, whether Jew or Gentile.
Romans 1:18-19 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and 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.
How is the wrath of God revealed from heaven?
The nature of God’s wrath is revealed, or made known to us by the gospel of Christ, which is the power of salvation to all men (v.16).
We need to fear the wrath of God.
Consider the willful sin and its danger to our souls:
{Hebrews 10.26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.}
How do men know about God?
Verse 19 of our text, in Romans 1st chapter, teaches us that God has shown Himself to these men who ‘hold the truth’.
Verse 20 speaks of these men having a knowledge of unseen or invisible things regarding the divine nature, and the Godhead.
With such knowledge of God, the case is made here that man is without excuse when he rejects God, and worships idols.
Standing before God, such men could never defend such a way of living as we see further defined in chapter 1.
In this setting, we read the verses 21-32, in Romans 1.
Romans 1:21-23 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.
Romans 1:24-32 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour 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 toward 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; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
We might get involved in studying all of these various sins, but for this study, we will leave that for a future study.
Let it suffice to see that the people in question seem to have undergone a change from good to evil. It appears that they are filled up with evil, not just a little evil, but overcome with evil.
Notice in verse 23 that these are men who once knew God, and then became such who made images of false gods, and worshipped the images.
Based on Verses 21-22, let’s notice the progression of the men in question:
1. Knew God
2. Refused to give God the glory
3. Refused to give God their thanks
4. Self reasoning became vain, foolish, empty
5. Hearts were darkened
6. Claiming themselves Wise, Became Fools
As we can see, these men had separated themselves from light and truth, which could have saved them.
In their foolish self-proclaimed wisdom they created false gods in their minds' eyes and in idol forms, as they wanted.
Without God’s light, they had no spiritual center, no Godly conscience to cause them to doubt their own wickedness. They no longer acted, thought, or spake based upon Godly principles.
1. Because of such a downfall, God first gave them up to uncleanness, an immoral state of living in which they gave in to all their evil lusts of the flesh.
2. Then God gave them up unto vile affections.
3. Then God gave them over to a reprobate mind.
The term ‘gave up’ means ‘to surrender to’.
The tense of the words ‘to, unto, and over to’ in these verses is in the past tense, indicating that all of these sins were the cause of God’s surrender of them to their own desires and lusts and self-defined way of living.
In this same letter, we see this further dealt with in the 8th chapter.
Romans 8:1-6 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.
Here we see an eternal fact, which cannot be denied.
The law of Spirit has the power to free us from the law of sin, the law of death.
The law of the Spirit of life has the power to give us life and peace, if we are so minded.
If we freely choose to despise God’s law, in exchange for a love of our own designs, then we are promised death; and God’s promises are sure.
ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF GODS GLORY:
As Paul continues in his writing of the epistle to the Romans, he not only shows that the Gentiles stand condemned in their immorality, but also that the Jews stood condemned in their immorality as well.
If you were to study chapter 2, and 3, you would see this message develop.
I want to take you briefly to chapter 3 to read just a few excerpts there.
Romans 3:9-10 What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Without Christ’s coming, and without the gospel of Christ, there would have been no hope of salvation for those under sin.
Romans 3:11-12 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Paul goes on to develop his point, that there is salvation in Christ for both the Jews and the Gentiles who have been condemned in their sin.
Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Regardless of their past, now both the Jew and Gentile can have righteousness by believing in the faith of Jesus Christ.
By contrast, the opposite is true as well; that those who do not believe in the faith of Jesus Christ cannot have the righteousness of God.
Romans 3:23-26 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
What is the overall picture seen in the first 3 chapters of Romans regarding sin?
- Obey the gospel of Christ, and be justified by God.
- Be blessed by God in your faithfulness to Christ.
- Disobey the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and suffer God’s wrath.
- Unrighteous behaviour separates men from God.
Man has the freedom, of course, to choose whether to obey God, or to disobey; the right to choose life, or death; wrath from God, or peace in Christ.
Jesus said:
John 3:35-36 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
GODS WRATH UPON THE SINNER:
There are several ways in which the wrath of God is expressed in the lives of the disobedient.
One is the natural results of a sinful lifestyle, and its resulting corruption of our souls, minds, and flesh.
Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
The wrath of God is presently against all those who have chosen to serve Satan.
While most folks who have not obeyed the gospel would not admit that they do the will of Satan, this is why they are foolish, and self deceived.
1 John 3:7-8 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
God’s wrath is revealed in this life when God rejects the prayers of the wicked, and refuses to bless the wicked.
1 Peter 3:10-13 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil. 13 And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
Men, who have given themselves over to sin, are subject to God’s wrath on this earth, in that they suffer the penalties of darkness, as administered by men themselves upon lawbreakers.
While God’s Word teaches us to obey those who have rule over us, those in darkness may be punished for disobeying men’s laws.
God’s wrath in an eternal sense is revealed in those passages of the Scriptures, which speak of the final Judgment Day.
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
In the text of Romans 1:28, those who did not want to keep God in their minds, God gave them over to the other side, the side of darkness.
As Christians, we face the side of darkness as a place of danger.
Matthew 6:22-23 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great [is] that darkness!
If you are not ‘in the faith’, then you have denied Jesus Christ a place in your heart and mind and soul.
Do you want to give up the side of light?
To be of a reprobate mind means that we will have no protection against Satan, and in such a place we will do those things, which are evil, as those of Romans 1.
What is a ‘reprobate’ mind?
Let us examine some more scriptures, which are spoken directly to Christians in warning, and see if they will help us better define the word ‘reprobate’.
Christians are instructed to prove themselves by examining what we are and believe by comparison with Christ’s instructions.
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Have you proved to yourself that Jesus Christ is within you, in your mind, heart, and soul?
Are you sure that you are walking ‘in the faith’?
The real proof of whether Jesus Christ is in us is proving by the Word of God that we are right with God, in word, thought, and deed.
Romans 8:7-11 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Are you subject to the law of God?
Do you seek to please God in all things?
Are you sure that you are spiritual in direction, and in obedience?
If you answer in the affirmative to these questions, Jesus Christ is in you, and you have an assurance of eternal life, and you have God’s righteousness.
We are admonished to examine ourselves to make sure that Jesus Christ is in us.
According to this verse, if you are a reprobate, you would not be in the faith, and Jesus Christ would not be ‘in you’, and you would not meet the test of God’s approval.
The context here defines the word ‘reprobate’ for us if we will watch carefully.
Notice that by these scriptures here in II Corinthians 13.5-8 that a reprobate is the opposite of being approved by God.
A reprobate is the person in whom Jesus Christ is absent.
2 Corinthians 13:6-8 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
This usage of the word ‘reprobates’ in application to an Apostle might seem strange.
In order to understand the meaning of the word ‘reprobates’, we need to look at the entire context.
Look at the beginning of II Corinthians 13, and read the first 3 verses.
2 Corinthians 13:1-3 This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
In most of the 12th chapter, Paul is making a defense of his apostleship, and in other places in the letter as well.
It appears that some of those in Corinth had been caused to doubt the authority of the Apostle Paul.
They were seeking a proof that Christ indeed spake through Paul, that his words were divinely inspired.
So, in our text of II Corinthians 13.6-8, Paul tells them that his hope was that they would trust in him, that he is not unapproved of God. He does not want them to distrust the message he has given them.
If they considered Paul as a reprobate, then his teaching would be in doubt.
2 Corinthians 13:6-8 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
Paul’s prayer was simply that they would not do evil, but instead do that which is honest. This was his prayer, rather than praying for approval by the Corinthians, even though Paul had been accused of being a reprobate.
Now, I want to go back again to the text in Romans 1.28.
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;
What were those things?
The text following Romans 1.28 provides the type of sinful activities, which are not approved of by God, and not fit, for a person professing Godliness.
Romans 1:29-31 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
The fact of the matter is that these sins separate one from any fellowship with Christ.
Those who wish to become Christians must repent of such sins, as those in Corinth had repented.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Now, I want to direct your minds to our next reference in which the word ‘reprobate’ is used.
PURE OR DEFILED?
Titus 1:15-16
Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. [16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
From these 2 verses, let’s see if we can see a definition of the word ‘reprobate’ in the context.
· Defiled
· Unbelieving
· Mind and conscience defiled
· Hypocrites, in that they profess a knowledge of God
· Abominable (detestable)
· Disobedient
Then the text closes by saying that they are ‘unto every good work reprobate’. Such people are unapproved by God, and unfit to wear His name, and we can tell by their works.
This fits the other descriptions of the reprobate person, with reprobate works in Romans 1.29-31; and that they are workers of evil in II Corinthians 13.7-8.
The text says that they are reprobate unto EVERY good work.
It appears that those described in Romans 1.28-32 were also ‘reprobate’ unto every good work, as they were ‘filled with all unrighteousness’; where the word ‘filled’ indicates that the vessel is overflowing with evil works.
Could those of Titus 1.16 ever come to repentance, after becoming reprobates?
· The point that I want to make here is that such a judgment is not ours to make, as we look at the entire context.
Lets read back a few verses and see if these brethren might have had a chance of coming back from their apostate state. Let’s begin with Titus 1:9. Paul is finishing up with the qualifications for the elders in the cities of Crete (v.5). Verse 9 is the final word given regarding the elders, and then Paul makes a point regarding why that this is so important.
Titus 1:9-16 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
The gainsayers were those who were out there speaking against the truth of the gospel.
10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
These deceivers were mostly Jews, and they were actively speaking lies against the truth.
11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
These false teachers had been able to lead entire families away from the truth into error. Here we see the motivation as ‘filthy lucre’ or financial gain from those they subverted.
12 One of themselves, [even] a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians [are] alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
These reprobates were to be rebuked sharply in the hopes that they would turn from their evil teachings and practices, and become sound in the faith.
14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. 15 Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
We see here the influence of the teachings of the Jewish traditions.
Reference:(1 Corinthians 6:12 ¶ All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.)
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.
We can see that even though these false teachers were reprobates, the elders were to rebuke them sharply, in the hope that they would repent.
Now, turn to our last text, in which the word ‘reprobate’ is used.
2 Timothy 3:1-9
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. [6] For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, [7] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. [8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. [9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
Again, we see a list of sins, similar in many ways to the other passages of sins we find that separate men from fellowship with Christ, and His church.
Again, we notice, as in the other passages, that these reprobates claimed to be Godly.
As in the passage from Titus 1, we again notice that some of these reprobates were false teachers. The reprobates in Titus were to be stopped by the rebuke of the elders, while in this passage, Paul simply states that they would ‘proceed no further’, having their sins exposed.
A comparison is made to Jannes and Jambres , which are not mentioned in any of the OT scriptures, but are mentioned in the ancient histories as being the magicians used by Pharaoh when Moses and Aaron went into Egypt to confront him to release the Israelites. They resisted Moses, but God won the victory in the end.
While there does not immediately appear to be any instructions to Timothy to attempt to bring these reprobates back to the truth, there are some other Scriptures which might indicate a similar thought as we find in the book of Titus, that of a return to ‘sound doctrine’.
In a larger context, if we look at the preceding verses in the 2nd chapter, we see that Paul has just finished telling Timothy to teach those who are in error.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
In the text following the passage in II Timothy 3.1-9; we see in the following chapter that Timothy is told that time was coming when evil men would increase in number, and when people would reject sound doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:1-5 I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
So, from the fuller picture of the work of his ministry, even though a person had become a reprobate, the evangelist was at least to instruct those who oppose the truth, if God will perhaps grant them repentance, and agreement with the truth.
In the OT, we find the word ‘reprobate’ used in the prophecy given to Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 6:26-30
O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us. [27] I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way. [28] They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters. [29] The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the fire; the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away. [30] Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.
Throughout the OT history of the Jewish people, we see that time and again, they rejected God’s Word, and then God would reject them until they came to a place of repentance.
What have we learned?
We cannot do evil, and continue in fellowship with God.
The Lord cannot add a person to the church until he repents of his sins.
God rejects the Christian who turns from the faith, and reaches a place in his life when his conscience no longer responds to the gospel of Jesus Christ. If the person no longer is in the light of Christ, there is no forgiveness of sins by the blood of Christ. There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.
The reprobate is not to be afforded fellowship. After all, he has separated himself from the truth, and from sound doctrine; and has rejected the truth, and has shown that he no longer wishes to be one with Christ and His church.
While the heretic is to be rebuked, and admonished to return to the faith, according to the instructions from the Lord, such a person is only to be given 2 such chances, before being rejected by the church.
Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
While we know that our God is longsuffering, and not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, a man, by one’s own choices which he makes, can become subverted to the extent that he is past feeling any shame in his evil ways.
Ephesians 4:17-19 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
In other words, a person may reach a place where he no longer feels guilty when the truth is spoken. If a person does not believe, then why would he feel guilty?
Such a person has no fear of Judgment Day, nor the wrath of our God of vengeance.
I Timothy 4.1 ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Those who have given their lives over to all unrighteousness, while they should be rebuked, they are to not to be afforded the fellowship of the servants of Christ. Just as God has given them over to a reprobate mind, so we too must give them up to their heresy, if that is their desire.
They have not only cast off Christ from their lives, but Christ has cast them away from His fellowship.
Romans 16:17-20
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. [18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. [19] For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. [20] And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Now, please turn with me to the book of Jude.
There is a distinction made between the one who is fully devoted to evil, and the one who can still be touched with the truth.
I am posting this chapter for further study on your part, without further comment.
God bless you in your studies to be approved to Christ, our Lord.
Jude 1:
Jude 1:1-2 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called: 2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 8 Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. 17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Joe McClure
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