Is Calvinistic Reprobation Biblical?

Reprobation, in Calvinistic theology, refers to the doctrine that God predestines many individuals to eternal damnation before they were even born. He does this by choosing not to grant them saving faith.

Is there any biblical texts that teach this clearly anywhere in scripture? In a word - No. Let me explain.

First and foremost, it is essential to recognize that the concept of reprobation is rooted in the broader Calvinistic understanding of predestination. According to the Calvinist perspective, before the foundation of the world, God unconditionally elected some individuals for salvation while the rest are predestined for damnation. That's a pretty big claim to make - with a doctrine with serious implications - we have to be sure that we've got this one right. The Bible has to teach this really clearly right? But on closer inspection, the Calvinistic understanding of Pre-destination is built mainly on extra-biblical philosophy and a complete misreading of Romans 9. Indeed, where in scripture, can we clearly read about the Calvinist reprobates? We can't because there aren't any.

To be able to confidently affirm such an important doctrine as this, surely there would be clear didactic teaching on this in the Bible. To hold to such a serious belief about how God deals with most of humanity, this doctrine would need to be taught as clear as day from scripture?

However, not only is it the case that you wont find Calvinist reprobation taught clearly anywhere in the Bible, but worse than that, this doctrine contradicts several key biblical passages that emphasize God's love and provision for all people.

Here's three Biblical texts that are really hard to explain if Calvinistic Reprobation was true.

1) One crucial passage to consider is 2 Peter 3:9, which states,

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

Whilst Calvinists would try to explain this by saying that Peter was talking about the elect only here, those chosen for salvation., that doesn't seem to be the case; the reader would have to read Calvinism into the text (eisegesis). What this verse does highlight is that God's patience and His desire for all people to repent and be saved. If Calvinistic reprobation were true, it would be difficult to reconcile this verse with the idea that God predestines many to eternal damnation.

2) Another critical passage is 1 Timothy 2:3-4, which says,

"This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

Not all kinds of people, like Calvinists claim, but all people. This passage affirms God's desire for the salvation of all people, not just a predestined elect. The Calvinistic doctrine of reprobation seems to conflict with the clear message of these verses.

3) Ezekiel 18:23 also expresses God's heart for His people, saying,

"Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?"

This passage reveals that God takes no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked, and instead, delights in their repentance. This sentiment is difficult to square with the idea that God would predestine individuals to eternal damnation.

If God actively predestines some individuals to eternal damnation, it begs the question of why a loving and just God would create people with no hope of salvation?

A big problem is that the Calvinistic doctrine of reprobation can inadvertently lead to the portrayal of God as unjust and unloving. If God actively predestines some individuals to eternal damnation, it begs the question of why a loving and just God would create people with no hope of salvation? This portrayal of God seems to conflict with the biblical depiction of His character as gracious, merciful, and loving (Exodus 34:6-7; 1 John 4:8).

Scripture teaches that God genuinely loves and desires the salvation of all people. He provides the necessary grace and means of salvation to everyone, making it possible for each person to respond to the Gospel. In this view, the responsibility for accepting or rejecting God's gift of salvation lies with the individual.

The Calvinistic doctrine of reprobation seems to be at odds with several key biblical passages that emphasize God's love, provision, and desire for the salvation of all people. Whilst presenting no Bible texts that teach this doctrine clearly. A more accurate understanding of Scripture presents a God who genuinely seeks the salvation of everyone, providing the means for all to respond to His grace.