What Does It Mean and Why Does It Matter?
The phrase “reprobate mind” might seem complicated at first, but it’s actually a straightforward idea from the Bible, especially found in Romans 1:28. In everyday language, having a reprobate mind means someone has turned away from God and chosen to live in ways that are against what God says is right. It’s not just about breaking rules—it’s about getting to a point where you don’t care what’s good or bad anymore, at least by God’s standards.
People with this mindset usually know what God expects, but they decide to ignore it. Sometimes, they even make excuses for their choices or come up with reasons why living however they want is okay, even when it’s clearly wrong. This attitude leads to a life full of selfishness and harmful behavior, with little concern for other people. The Bible explains that when someone keeps turning their back on God, He eventually lets them go their own way—meaning He stops trying to guide them or help them change.
Romans 1:28 describes this as God “giving them over” to their own desires, which means He allows them to keep choosing the wrong path because they’ve rejected Him. The result is a life marked by dishonesty, evil actions, and even violence—it’s like picking darkness instead of light because you don’t want to give up what you know is wrong.
However, the Bible also gives hope. Even if someone develops a reprobate mind, they aren’t beyond help. Through the gospel—accepting God’s message, letting the Holy Spirit change your heart, and turning away from a sinful life—anyone can have a fresh start. The gospel has the power to renew your thoughts and feelings, giving you a brand-new outlook.
So, what’s the takeaway? A reprobate mind is a warning against ignoring God and choosing what’s wrong. It’s a reminder for everyone to check their own lives and make sure they haven’t gotten off track. If you’re worried about having a reprobate mind, the Bible’s advice is clear: seek God, accept His help, and let Him change your heart for the better.
Digging a Little Deeper
Romans 1:28 points out that people didn’t want to acknowledge God—not because they couldn’t, but because they chose not to. They were displeased with God, so they walked away and followed their own desires. The first step was simply not wanting to focus on, serve, or honor God.
It’s important to note that God didn’t force them to turn away or keep knowledge from them. He didn’t just abandon them for no reason. Instead, as a consequence of their stubbornness and decision to forget Him, He let them have their way, which led to a state of mind He couldn’t approve of. The term “reprobate” here means a mind that lacks sound judgment or is unfit—essentially, a way of thinking that goes against what’s good and proper.
Ultimately, this is a call to recognize the danger of ignoring what’s right and to embrace the hope God offers to anyone who turns back to Him.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 