Sermon By Samaroo Sookraj Text: 11Tim 2:20. Rom 9:22,23. Intro: The Doctrine of Reprobation is one of the many fundamental doctrines of the Bible that has been much misunderstood, much abused, and very much opposed. Nevertheless, to "full grown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern evil"(Heb 5:15), it is a blessedly and gloriously profitable doctrine. Because it so gloriously portrays the love that God has for His elect in that while everyone justly deserves the second death, seeing that we all stand guilty, God in His mercy and grace, has still chosen some unto salvation. Truly, mankind in its fallen state deserves to die the second death; yes, all deserving to be reprobates but God in His sovereign, unconditional, and incomphrensible love, for reasons known only to Him has not allowed all to justly die in hell, but some to take themselves to hell and those He elected, to go to heaven through His grace. The Doctrine of Reprobation compliments the Doctrine of Election. It manifests God's attributes of Love and Justice and while to many who are still being led by the diabolical god of this age, this doctrine will be very distateful and unloved, to the redeemed of the Lord, the Blood- washed saints, those whose names have been written in the Lamb's Book of Life before the foundation of the world, it surely will humble us and place us in such a position that we could only praise and honor and glorify the Great God of this Universe for His abundant mercies and unquenchable love for His Elect. Having been encouraged by the Word of God to search the Scriptures and that I should study to show myself approved by rightly dividing the Word of Truth, some years ago I decided by God's grace, not having the privelege of a Bible School education, to pursue the path of knowledge from God's Word. My manner of studying was by using my Bible, Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, and sometimes, a Textbook. The doctrines that are held dear by Sovereign Grace Baptist preachers were not swallowed hook, line, and sinker by me; I spent much time agonizing over these doctrines with much prayer and studying. They were to my mind very distasteful and humiliating, but by persuasion of God's Holy Spirit, these doctrines became alive and dear unto me. These are the fundamental truths that I must preach and teach wherever the Lord will have to. 1.WHAT IS REPROBATION? Reprobation is the Decree of God whereby those who were not elected unto salvation,being passed over by God, and left to their sinful nature, will one day be condemned to an eternal hell, because of the sins they have committed. There is a negative and a positive aspect of my definition. The negative speaks of a passing over or preterition. This is a sovereign act of God, where according to His good pleasure, He passes by men and angels not bestowing upon them saving grace. The positive act of God in reprobation is seen in it being a permissive decree where He leaves the sinner to his self-chosen rebelliousness and its natural consequences of an eternity in hell. Rom 1:28. Matt 25:41. 11.CAN THIS DOCTRINE BE PROVEN I must admit that this doctrine is distasteful to the ears of men and definitely does not make the preacher popular, the fact is though that it is clearly taught in the Scriptures. Bear in mind all of the Scriptures is breathed of God and is profitable. 11Tim 3:16,17. I shall venture to let the Word of God speak: Prov 16:4 says...The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. 1Pet 2:8 says... And a Stone of stumbling and a Rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the Word; being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. Jude 4 says...For there are certain men crept in privily,even they who were of old written of beforhand to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Dear friend, reasoning also tells us that because election exists, so too does reprobation. If you have ten apples in a bucket and you take out six, naturally four will be left behind. 111.WHAT IS THE BASIS FOR THE DOCTRINE OF REPROBATION? This doctrine finds its basis in the Doctrine of Total Inability. The Bible tells us that All are fallen (Rom 3:23) and are unable to come to God (John 6:44.). God in His mercies sovereignly elected some (Eph 1:4,5.) effectually calls them by quickening (John 6:63) and saves them by His grace through faith (Eph 2:8,9.). While He saves some, others are left fallen (Rom 9:22.) ultimately to be condemned. (Matt 25:41.) 1V. DOES THIS DOCTRINE MAKE GOD UNFAIR TO THE NON-ELECT? Certainly not! This Decree finds the entire human race fallen; None can justifiably lay claim to God's grace. That some are saved is purely an act of mercy by the Omnipotent God. Rebrobates only get their just due by taking themselves to hell. V. WHAT CAN WE DISCERN FROM THIS DOCTRINE? We can truly understand that in the condemnation of the non-elect, God's Justice is clearly manifested. Additionally, in God's condemnation of the non-elect, the elect will more appreciate the love of God for undeserving creatures of Adam's race. This Doctrine should motivate us, the elect, to consistently go out with the Gospel of Grace knowing that Christ's sheep will hear His voice...and will follow Him. John 10:27. |
