Reprobate
Origin
Classical Latin reprobātus (see reprobate adj.). Compare post-classical Latin reprobus person who has been predestined by God to eternal damnation (late 2nd or early 3rd cent. in Tertullian as reprobi, plural), use as noun of masculine of classical Latin reprobus
The English word, reprobate, is from the Latin root probare (English: prove, test), and thus derived from the Latin, reprobatus (reproved, condemned), the opposite of approbatus (commended, approved).
Definitions
- 3: expressing or involving reprobation
Description
Reprobation, in Christian theology, is a corollary to the Calvinistic doctrine of unconditional election which derives that some of mankind (the elect) are predestined by God for salvation. Therefore, the remainder are left bound to their fallen nature and eventually to eternal damnation. This same state of unbelief is also known as reprobation. In Calvinist terminology, the non-elect are often referred to as the reprobate. Similarly, when a sinner is so hardened as to feel no remorse or misgiving of conscience, it is considered as a sign of reprobation.
