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 Reprobation is an important part of life before our Savior. Wayne Grudem defines reprobation as God's sovereign decision before creation to pass over certain individuals, not granting them saving grace, and punishing them for their sins to manifest His justice. This doctrine, essential to Calvinism, asserts that some will never be recipients of God's redeeming love, regardless of their exposure to the gospel. Their exclusion from grace is not based on their actions but solely on God's glory.

The Augustinian/Reformed tradition maintains that God eternally ordains (1) not to offer saving grace to some and (2) to judge them by divine justice. Reprobation finds biblical grounding in Pharaoh's hardened heart (Exodus) and Paul's argument in Romans 9. The doctrine, formulated by Augustine and upheld by Aquinas, Luther, and Calvin, has been a point of contention within Christian theology.

Marks of the reprobate include rejecting Christ (Jn 10:26-30), blindness to the gospel (2 Cor 4:4), lack of desire for God (Rom 3:11), and an inability to hear Christ's voice (Jn 8:43). Calvinists attempt to reconcile God's justice with doctrines like "single predestination" and "two wills," but critics argue these are incoherent. Jerry Walls notes that compatibilist rhetoric misleadingly suggests God's desire for universal salvation, despite the claim that He determines some to persist in sin.

Ultimately, the rejection of reprobation challenges Calvinism’s framework. The gospel calls individuals to faith and repentance, offering salvation through Christ rather than immutable divine decree.









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