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Sovereign Reprobation

Writer's picture: Jared SmithJared Smith

At times, Reformed theology is accused of implementing rationality and logic in theological discourse, resulting in speculation as Dr. Darrell Cole taught last Lord’s Day in Sunday school. There may be no doctrine that conjures such a reaction more than the doctrine of reprobation. This week, in our sermon series, we will discuss the doctrine of election. The doctrine of election can be simply defined as the reality that from all eternity, God, in His infinite wisdom and outpouring of His grace and love, chose those from among humanity that He would save and call His own. With that, we can embrace the accusation of logic by concluding that since God has not elected each human to be His own, therefore there must be those among humanity that God in His sovereignty has chosen not to elect. This, in short, is the doctrine of reprobation.

Yet, the accusation of speculation can be thwarted when we look to the mysteriously strong language of the Scriptures. The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans works through the mystery of election while discussing the state of Israel and the inclusion of the Gentiles. In Romans 9:13, reflecting on the election of one twin over the other writes, “As it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’” As Paul continues, he begins answering possible objections and pushes back against the questions, stating:

“Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? [22] What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, [23] in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory.”[1] 

At minimum, from this section of Romans, we can conclude that God has chosen not to save some for his purposes and glory.

As we marvel at this mystery, it would be wise for us not to dismiss its credibility or God Himself, for we know His character. Let us not think that God has arbitrarily elected some to salvation and others to judgement as if humans were on a randomized conveyer belt. We are simply called to praise Him for our salvation and be in awe at His judgement. In the doctrine of reprobation, we are also reminded of the creator-creature distinction. Though we can confidently conclude the doctrine of reprobation and defend it from Scripture, we will never in this life get an answer to the question: “why?” First, we should remember that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.[2] Secondly, it would be wise to hear the words of John Calvin who writes, concerning the doctrine of reprobation:

“It is not right that man should with impunity pry into things which the Lord has been pleased to conceal within himself, and scan that sublime eternal wisdom which it is his pleasure that we should not apprehend but adore, that therein also His perfections may appear…Let us not be ashamed to be ignorant in a matter in which ignorance is learning.”[3]

           


[1] Romans 9:21-23

[2] Ezekiel 18:23

[3] Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Book III. Ch. 21.

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