Reprobation

Definition and Meaning

The Korean term for reprobation, yugi (遺棄), is a Sino-Korean word meaning "to abandon" or "to leave behind." In theology it refers to the doctrine that God decreed not to choose certain people for salvation but to leave them in their sin. Together with "election," by which God chooses those who will be saved, it forms part of the doctrine of predestination. The position that affirms both election and reprobation is commonly called "double predestination."

Reformed theology explains reprobation in terms of two aspects. The first is "preterition," in which God passes over certain people rather than drawing them to saving grace. The second is God's decree to condemn them for their own sins. According to this account, the ground of condemnation lies in human sin.

Biblical and Historical Background

Those who accept the doctrine of reprobation cite several passages in its support. These include Romans 9:18–23, with the words "whom he will he hardeneth"; the account of Jacob and Esau in Romans 9:13; the Exodus narrative of the hardening of Pharaoh's heart; and 1 Peter 2:8. Those on the opposing side point to 1 Timothy 2:4, Ezekiel 18:23, and 2 Peter 3:9, which teach that God desires the salvation of all people, and therefore do not regard reprobation as an eternal decree of God.

Historically, Augustine laid the foundation for the doctrine of predestination. During the Reformation, John Calvin treated election and reprobation together in the Institutes of the Christian Religion. The Canons of Dort (1618–1619) and chapter 3 of the Westminster Confession of Faith also confess reprobation. By contrast, Arminianism and John Wesley rejected unconditional reprobation. The Lutheran Formula of Concord likewise does not attribute damnation to a decree of God. In the twentieth century, Karl Barth reinterpreted the doctrine christocentrically, regarding Jesus Christ as both the elect and the rejected one.

Practice in Korean Churches

In Presbyterian denominations that hold the Westminster Confession of Faith as their doctrinal standard, reprobation is taught as part of the doctrine of predestination in seminary courses on systematic theology. These denominations include the Presbyterian Church in Korea (HapDong) and the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Kosin). Sermons, however, rarely address reprobation directly. The Westminster Confession itself advises that the doctrine of predestination be handled "with special prudence and care."

Denominations in the Wesleyan theological tradition, such as the Korean Methodist Church and the Korea Evangelical Holiness Church, do not accept this doctrine. These denominations emphasize the prevenient grace given to all people and the human response to it. Among Pentecostal and Baptist churches, views vary by congregation and theologian. This difference is a major point of contention in the debate over predestination and free will.