deception

The Reprobate Mind

Scotty Erb

13 Oct 2026 — 3 min read

Romans 1:28 KJV 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;

but why are they given to a reprobate mind...

Romans 1:26-27 KJV For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: (27) And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

How did they begin to do this

Romans 1:24-25 KJV Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: (25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

And this is because

Romans 1:18-23 KJV For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

now we as born again believers should know who these people are straight away. And we should not KEEP company with them... consider the following

Proverbs 22:24-25
Ephesians 5:9,11
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
James 4:4

.. But ..
1 Thessalonians 4:8 KJV
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

Psalm 33:4-11

here we see how the word of the Lord is in everything. And he judges everything, consider the following as well...

Psalms 33:4-5 KJV
(4) For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
(5) He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

Psalm 33:4-5 (Ephesians 5:9)
Deuteronomy 32:4-6 (Psalm 119:89 & 138:2)

looking back on the things laid out in Romans 1:18-32, we can see that many are blind leaders of the blind. They are making excuses for the sin of others and themselves. excusing bad behavior rather than having the judgment of the Lord. And so in this they are given over to a reprobate mind because they despised the things of God. (as it was in 1 Thessalonians 4:8.) And they condemn themselves through their own consciences.

Romans 2:13-15 compared to 1 Timothy 4:1-2

these are those who follow the course of this world such as ...

Ephesians 2:1-3 & 1 Peter 4:3-4

So in summary when people make friends with the world they become reprobate. Love in the worlds eyes is not the love God has; (Revelation 3:19 / Mark 10:21 / Proverbs 27:6 ... consider also 1 Thessalonians 4:9).
People that are given over to a reprobate mind can still get saved. Although, how would they see a difference if we never make a difference known to them. Consider 1 Corinthians 10:28-31 for this and have a bit of the judgment of the Lord. remembering that we are to be separate as it is written in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
And ultimately we know the judgment that is to come. The Lord will not hold his wrath back forever even as he did not with Jerusalem...

Jeremiah 15:5-6 KJV
(5) For who shall have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem? or who shall bemoan thee? or who shall go aside to ask how thou doest?
(6) Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.