When mercy ends, judgment remains.
The Reprobate Doctrine teaches that there are those who have rejected God so persistently and knowingly that He has given them over to a reprobate mind. These individuals are beyond redemption because God Himself has withdrawn His offer of grace.
This is not man’s judgment—it is God’s. We do not presume to know who is reprobate, nor do we stop preaching the Gospel to any man. Our duty is obedience; God’s is judgment.
We believe some people get the chance to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ up until their last breath while others who have rejected God over and over again do not. We do not know who is who. This is God’s call and not ours. We do not look at people and call them reprobates. Many people misuse the reprobate doctrine.
The reprobate doctrine is included within our statement of faith here at True Words Baptist Church. You should also see our Salvation Doctrine to see why God would reject someone.
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.
If God rejects someone, it’s very clear that they would have never believed as God wants all to be saved. He would not reject them if they would have ever believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus paid for all sins, and they could be saved IF they would change their mind and believe. But they will not. And it is their choice.
1. A Reprobate Mind Defined
The term reprobate means rejected or cast away. A reprobate mind is one that has resisted the truth of God until God Himself turns that person over to their own corruption.
Such individuals are spiritually blind, morally hardened, and without the capacity for repentance.
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.
When a person crosses this divine line, it is not because God failed to show mercy—it is because they repeatedly rejected it.
2. God’s Judgment Is Final in the Reprobate Doctrine
The reprobate condition is irreversible. When God gives someone over, there is no second chance, no possibility of belief, and no redemption to be found.
This is the terrifying result of persistent unbelief and willful rejection of truth.
Hebrews 6:4–6
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
The rejection of light brings darkness. God’s mercy is boundless—but His patience is not endless.
3. The Reprobate Doctrine States That The Reprobate Cannot Be Saved
We believe there are some who, having rejected God repeatedly and knowingly, have been given over to a reprobate mind. These individuals are incapable of being saved because God has withdrawn His offer of grace from them.
We do not attempt to determine who is a reprobate. We preach the Gospel to every creature, and we do not attempt to do God’s job for Him.
2 Thessalonians 2:11–12
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
God alone knows the hearts of men. Our calling is to sow the seed of truth faithfully. There are some very nasty groups of Baptist people out there who love to call others reprobates. We are not them. We do believe there are reprobates, and we know reprobates are in hell because they are certainly rejected by God.
4. The Reprobate Rejoice in Evil
Those given over to a reprobate mind do not simply sin—they take pleasure in those who sin. They despise righteousness, blaspheme the name of Christ, and call evil good and good evil.
Romans 1:32
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.
This inversion of morality is the signature mark of a reprobate generation—a society that celebrates sin and mocks holiness. We believe God does reject people for salvation once and for all because they will never believe. This is our view of the reprobate doctrine.
Please see the Doctrine of Sin.
5. Our Duty Toward All Men
Though the reprobate cannot be saved, we cannot know who they happen to be with 100% certainty. Some people think they do, but they are not God. These people who label others as reprobates should be marked and avoided.
For example, I was part of a church in the past that told me I was not supposed to knock on doors with pride flags or black lives matter signs. This is sin. God commanded us to preach the Gospel to every creature. And that we will do.
Therefore, we preach the Gospel to all men, without prejudice, trusting God to separate wheat from tares and sheep from goats. This is God’s job not ours. We do what God says to do.
Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
We do not determine reprobation—we declare revelation. Judgment belongs to God alone.
Application and Affirmation
The Reprobate Doctrine reminds us of God’s holiness and justice. It teaches us to fear God, preach faithfully, and plead with men while mercy still speaks.
Proverbs 29:1
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Affirmation – The Reprobate Doctrine:
- A reprobate is one whom God has rejected after persistent unbelief.
- Reprobates cannot be saved because God has withdrawn His grace.
- We do not determine who is reprobate; we preach to all.
- God’s judgment is just, final, and perfect in righteousness.
- We do not call people reprobates and do God’s job for Him.
