Reprobation

Reprobation is a theological concept found primarily within Christianity, particularly in Calvinism and other branches of Protestantism. It refers to the doctrine that a certain number of individuals are predestined by God to eternal damnation or punishment. This concept is often discussed in contrast to election, which is the doctrine that some individuals are predestined to eternal life.

Historical Background

The doctrine of reprobation has its roots in the writings of Augustine of Hippo, who emphasized the sovereignty of God in the salvation and damnation of souls. It was later developed more fully by John Calvin, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation. Calvin's teachings on reprobation are found in his seminal work, Institutes of the Christian Religion.

Theological Context

Reprobation is closely associated with the doctrine of predestination, which asserts that God has foreordained all events and outcomes, including the eternal destinies of human beings. In Calvinist theology, predestination is divided into two parts: election and reprobation. While election refers to God's choice of certain individuals for salvation, reprobation refers to His decision to condemn others to eternal punishment.

Double Predestination

The concept of double predestination is a key element in Calvinist theology. It posits that God has actively chosen some people for salvation (the elect) and others for damnation (the reprobate). This view is contrasted with single predestination, which holds that God only predestines the elect for salvation and merely passes over the rest, allowing them to follow their own sinful inclinations to their ultimate destruction.

Biblical Basis

Proponents of reprobation often cite various biblical passages to support their views. Key texts include:

• Romans 9:22-23: "What if God, willing to show his wrath and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory."
• Ephesians 1:4-5: "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will."

Controversies and Criticisms

The doctrine of reprobation has been a source of significant controversy and debate within Christianity. Critics argue that it portrays God as unjust and unloving, while proponents maintain that it underscores God's sovereignty and justice. The Arminian perspective, for example, rejects reprobation in favor of a view that emphasizes human free will and God's universal offer of salvation.

Related Concepts

• Election (theology)
• Predestination
• Calvinism
• Arminianism
• Sovereignty of God
• Augustine of Hippo
• John Calvin

See Also

• Institutes of the Christian Religion
• Protestant Reformation
• Theology
• Christianity