The concept of a reprobate mind appears in the Bible, warning of the dangers of turning from God. Today, we’ll discuss what Scripture says about this condition and the importance of keeping a soft heart.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Spirituality
What Does The Bible Say About A Reprobate Mind
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.
This verse teaches us that when individuals continually reject and refuse to acknowledge God, He may give them over to a reprobate mind. A reprobate mind is a mind that is corrupt, wicked, and beyond correction.
When someone reaches this state, they are no longer able to discern right from wrong and engage in behaviors that are not pleasing to God. It is a sobering reminder to seek God and His wisdom, lest we fall into a reprobate mindset.
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 verse speaks about Jannes and Jambres, who opposed Moses in the Old Testament. It draws a parallel between them and those who resist the truth in the present time. These individuals have corrupt minds and are reprobate concerning the faith.
It serves as a reminder that there will always be people who oppose the truth and hold onto beliefs that are contrary to God’s will. As believers, we must stay strong in our faith and not be swayed by those with reprobate minds.
Ephesians 4:17-18
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 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.
These verses admonish believers not to walk as the Gentiles do. The Gentiles, described as having a vanity of mind, walk in darkness and are alienated from the life of God due to their ignorance and blindness.
As Christians, we are called to live differently, guided by the truth and light of God’s Word. We should strive to have our minds renewed by the Holy Spirit, so that we may not be led astray by the darkness of a reprobate mind.
1 Corinthians 2:14
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
This verse highlights that the natural man, or someone without the Holy Spirit, cannot receive or understand the things of God. To them, it seems foolish because spiritual matters can only be discerned through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
It emphasizes the importance of being spiritually enlightened and connected to God. Without the Holy Spirit, one is more prone to a reprobate mind, unable to comprehend the truths of God’s Word.
Proverbs 28:26
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
This verse warns against putting our trust solely in our own hearts or understanding. It states that those who do so are considered fools. However, those who walk wisely, seeking guidance from God and His Word, will experience deliverance and spiritual discernment
Trusting in our own minds can lead to a reprobate mindset, but entrusting ourselves to God’s wisdom brings clarity and guidance on the right path.
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. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
These verses highlight the contrasting attitudes between those who are pure and those who are defiled and unbelieving. The pure see and perceive things as pure, while the defiled find nothing pure, as their minds and consciences are corrupted.
It reveals the dangers of professing to know God but denying Him in one’s actions. When our works are characterized by disobedience and abominable behavior, we risk becoming reprobate in our minds and unable to discern what is good.
Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
This verse calls upon the wicked and unrighteous to forsake their ways and thoughts and turn to the Lord. It promises that God will have mercy and abundantly pardon those who repent.
It shows that even those who may have had a reprobate mind can find forgiveness and redemption through sincere repentance and returning to God. His mercy and love are available to all who turn to Him.
Philippians 2:5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
This verse encourages believers to have the same mindset that Christ Jesus had. It calls us to emulate His humility, selflessness, and obedience to the will of the Father.
By having the mind of Christ, we can guard against the influence of a reprobate mind and instead walk in alignment with God’s purposes and values.
1 Peter 1:13
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
This verse urges believers to prepare their minds for action, to be alert and clear-minded. It encourages us to have hope in the grace that will be revealed through Jesus Christ.
A reprobate mind can cloud our judgment and lead us astray, but by being diligent and hopeful in Christ, we can guard our minds and focus on the promises of God.
Colossians 3:2
Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.
This verse instructs us to intentionally set our minds on heavenly things and not be consumed by the distractions and temptations of the world.
A reprobate mind often fixates on earthly desires and pursuits that are contrary to God’s will. By fixing our minds on heavenly things, we align ourselves with God’s wisdom and purpose.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
This verse teaches us to actively reject and demolish thoughts that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. It encourages us to submit every thought to the obedience of Christ.
A reprobate mind entertains thoughts that contradict God’s truth and lead to sinful actions. By submitting our thoughts to Christ and aligning them with His Word, we can guard against a reprobate mindset.
Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
This verse contrasts the outcome of being led by a carnal mind versus a spiritual mind. A carnal mind, one influenced by worldly desires, leads to death. On the other hand, a spiritual mind, one guided by the Holy Spirit, brings life and peace.
A reprobate mind is often driven by carnal desires, which ultimately lead to destruction. By pursuing a spiritual mindset, we experience the abundant life and peace that come from being in alignment with God.
Romans 12:2
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.
This verse encourages believers not to conform to the patterns and values of the world. Instead, we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we may discern and live out the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.
A reprobate mind conforms to worldly standards, but by actively renewing our minds through the truth of God’s Word, we can walk in obedience and fulfill our purpose in Christ.
James 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded.
This verse encourages us to draw near to God, promising that He will draw near to us in return. It also calls sinners to cleanse their hands and purify their hearts if they are double-minded.
A reprobate mind is often double-minded, torn between worldly and godly desires. By seeking God’s presence and purifying our hearts, we can overcome a reprobate mindset and find clarity and peace.
Psalm 26:2
Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
This verse expresses the psalmist’s desire for God to examine and test him, including his heart and thoughts. It demonstrates the psalmist’s willingness to be evaluated and refined by God.
When we allow God to search our hearts and minds, we open ourselves to His correction and guidance. This helps guard against a reprobate mind and enables us to align ourselves with God’s will.
Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
This verse highlights the significance of our thoughts and the condition of our hearts. It states that a person is shaped by what they think and the intentions of their heart.
A reprobate mind is characterized by thoughts and intentions that are contrary to God’s ways. As believers, we should guard our thoughts and align our hearts with God’s truth to avoid a reprobate mindset.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
This verse encourages believers to focus their thoughts on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. It urges us to think on virtuous and praiseworthy things.
A reprobate mind fixates on impure and unrighteous thoughts, but by intentionally directing our minds towards godly things, we guard ourselves against a reprobate mindset and cultivate spiritual growth.
Lamentations 3:21-23
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
These verses speak of the importance of recalling God’s mercies and faithfulness to mind, which brings hope. It reminds us that God’s compassion is unending and new every morning.
In times when a reprobate mind tries to cloud our thoughts with despair, remembering God’s faithfulness and mercy can bring renewal, restoration, and hope.
Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
This verse emphasizes the deceitful and wicked nature of the human heart. It presents a challenge in fully understanding its depths and motives.
A reprobate mind is born out of the deceitfulness and wickedness of the heart. Recognizing the fallen state of our hearts helps us guard against a reprobate mindset and rely on God’s guidance and transformation.
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
In these verses, the psalmist invites God to search and know their heart and thoughts, asking Him to reveal any wickedness within them. They seek God’s guidance and leadership on the path of everlasting life.
A reprobate mind stems from unchecked wickedness within the heart. By allowing God to search our hearts and thoughts, we open ourselves to His correction and leading, enabling us to steer clear of a reprobate mindset.
Proverbs 15:26
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
This verse highlights that the thoughts of the wicked are detestable to the Lord, while the words of the pure are pleasing to Him.
A reprobate mind produces ungodly thoughts and actions, which are displeasing to God. By cultivating pure thoughts and speaking words aligned with God’s truth, we guard against a reprobate mindset.
Psalm 119:113
I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
The psalmist expresses their disdain for empty, vain thoughts but declares their love for God’s law.
A reprobate mind dwells on vain and useless thoughts, but by embracing God’s Word and allowing it to guide our thinking, we can protect ourselves from a reprobate mindset and walk in wisdom and truth.
Proverbs 16:3
Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
This verse encourages us to commit our actions and plans to the Lord, promising that our thoughts will be established.
A reprobate mind struggles with confusion and instability. However, by surrendering our thoughts, aspirations, and decisions to God, we invite His guidance and establish our thinking on a foundation of faith and wisdom.
Psalm 94:11
The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
These verses remind us that the Lord is aware of the thoughts of humanity and recognizes their emptiness.
A reprobate mind often indulges in vain and futile thoughts, disconnected from God’s truth. Acknowledging that God knows our thoughts helps us examine and realign them according to His will and purpose.
Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
This verse assures us that those whose minds are anchored in God will experience perfect peace because they trust in Him.
A reprobate mind lacks peace, as it is caught up in worldly concerns. By fixing our minds on God, entrusting Him with our worries and fears, we find peace that surpasses understanding and guard against a reprobate mindset.