Folly of the 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;

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.” Romans‬ ‭1:28, 32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I’m going to tell you a little story – a true story – a story about me. You see as many of you know, I was born and raised in the church. So, that basically means that I knew how to do church, without any real passion, zeal, desire for a relationship with God. I was a Bible Quizzer, had/have many verses of the Bible memorized. But, if I can be honest with you, they had no real application to my life. I knew the Word of God, without knowing God.

As life would have it, I grew up to become an adult who could do church. Never realizing how desperately I needed God. Sure, I had experienced God, you know, most Sundays. But then, Monday rolled around and life happened… You know how the story goes.

I’ve often wondered, why do so many kids, who were born and raised in the church, leave church? What makes it so difficult to believe? But me, church was a thing to do. Surely that meant I was heaven bound… Like many other pew warmers, I hadn’t really accepted God unto my heart, nor His love for me. No matter how many scriptures I knew.

When we get to a place where we know the Word and choose to live contrary to it, there is definitely a transformation of our minds – and not for the best.

I recall a time, not so long ago, when this was me – reprobate. I lived my life as I pleased Monday – Friday. Engulfed in sin, yet I didn’t know it. As long as on Sunday I looked the part, all was well with me. Reflecting, recently, on all the things I had done against Jesus, feeling more than repentant, I was slightly ashamed and dare I say it, afraid.. You see, I had done some things, lived in such a way that went against everything the Word of God says. The worse part about it is that I didn’t realize how wrong I had been – until recently.

I’ve heard my whole life, there’s no hope for the reprobate. I don’t believe this true. There was hope for me. So I know that there is hope for any other reprobate too.

I think what it really takes, on top of someone to pray and intercede for the reprobate’s soul, is an honest desire to change. This is true repentance. More than just, Father, please forgive me. But, an honest desire to change. Sure, I asked for forgiveness many times, only to fall into the same sins. Eventually, I didn’t believe that what I was doing was wrong. As long they thought I was “saved”, I had nothing to fear. A sobering thought even now.

But there is hope, for even the reprobate. Not saying my life is perfect now. I’m far from being the perfect Christian. The difference is, when I sin against God, now, I realize it.

Don’t give up on your loved ones, friends, family… When all hope seems lost, it’s not. God is a God who is not only faithful, but also merciful, forgiving, full of love and grace. So, keep praying, keep reaching out, you can’t possibly know the difference it will make.

*Original image by A.B.