“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;” Romans 1:28
The verse for today could apply to any era in history. People purposefully forget about God and his absolute sovereign leadership. And, while ignoring God’s leadership, they become, “filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:” Romans 1:29-31
In our current era, this has become true again. Our global society and individuals are ignoring God (the God of the Bible) and allowing themselves to slip deeper and deeper into depravity. As just punishment for this betrayal, God punishes us by giving us over to a reprobate mind. Trust me this is definitely a punishment, because we no longer have control, our darkest and filthiest thoughts and desires have complete control and we have nothing to say about it. The only escape is to accept Christ as Lord and Savior and repent. Then Christ’s sacrifice and the Holy Spirit that dwells within you can free you from your sin. God is so loving and merciful that He always gives us a way out.
What is a reprobate mind? The Greek word is “adokimon” meaning reprobate or depraved. [1] Reprobate is defined by Merriam-Webster as unworthy, unacceptable, or evil. [2] Depraved is defined by Merriam-Webster as marked by corruption or evil. [3]
What is meant by not “convenient”? The Greek word is “kathēkonta” meaning proper or fitting. [4] So, the scripture is saying that God, as punishment, allows us to think and do things that are not proper or fitting, and we have no say in the matter. We become slaves to that dark part of our nature. The only emancipation (liberation, freedom) from this slavery is to accept Christ as Lord and Savior.
I believe this country has past the point of no return. As a nation we have been given over to a depraved mind. Individuals still have a chance, but I’m very sorry to say, our nation, in my opinion, has pasted the point of no return. I believe this even with the wonderful changes that President Trump has made.
Lord, I pray for this country. Lord, please prove my speculation wrong and bring another “great awakening” to our nation. Open the hearts of our preachers, evangelists and teachers. Eliminate the vast influx of apostasy in our churches. Bless us Lord. If I’m right and our nation has gone too far, Lord I pray that you come quickly and rapture your Church out of this world. But, never the less, your will Lord, not mine. In Jesus name, Amen!
References
[1] "Greek Concordance: ἀδόκιμον (adokimon) -- 1 Occurrence," Bible Hub: Search, Read, Study the Bible in Many Languages, accessed May 19, 2018, http://biblehub.com/greek/adokimon_96.htm.
[2] "Definition of REPROBATE," Dictionary by Merriam-Webster: America's Most-trusted Online Dictionary, accessed May 19, 2018, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reprobate.
[3] "Definition of DEPRAVED," Dictionary by Merriam-Webster: America's Most-trusted Online Dictionary, accessed May 19, 2018, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depraved.
[4] "Greek Concordance: καθήκοντα (kathēkonta) -- 1 Occurrence," Bible Hub: Search, Read, Study the Bible in Many Languages, accessed May 19, 2018, http://biblehub.com/greek/kathe_konta_2520.htm.