Topical Bible: Reproof: On Account of Impenitence

◄ Reproof: On Account of Impenitence ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Reproof, in the biblical context, refers to the act of expressing disapproval or correction, particularly in response to sin or moral failure. It is a significant theme throughout Scripture, serving as a divine tool for guiding believers back to righteousness. When reproof is directed at impenitence, it addresses the stubborn refusal to repent or acknowledge wrongdoing.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of repentance and the dangers of impenitence. Reproof is often depicted as a necessary response to a hardened heart. Proverbs 1:23-25 states, "If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you. But since you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, since you neglected all my counsel and wanted none of my correction."

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the prophets frequently delivered reproof to the people of Israel for their impenitence. Isaiah 30:9-11 describes a rebellious people who reject the Lord's instruction: "These are a rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction. They say to the seers, 'No more visions!' and to the prophets, 'Do not prophesy to us the truth. Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.'"

Jeremiah also confronted the impenitence of Judah, warning them of impending judgment due to their refusal to repent. Jeremiah 5:3 laments, "O LORD, do Your eyes not look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain; You crushed them, but they refused correction. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent."

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself reproves the unrepentant cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their failure to repent despite witnessing His miracles. Matthew 11:20-24 records, "Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent."

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of impenitence in his letters. In Romans 2:4-5 , he warns, "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed."

Purpose and Outcome of Reproof

Reproof serves a dual purpose: it is both a call to repentance and a warning of the consequences of continued impenitence. Hebrews 12:5-6 reminds believers of the loving nature of divine reproof: "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.'"

The ultimate goal of reproof is restoration and reconciliation with God. It is an expression of His love and desire for His people to turn from their sinful ways and embrace a life of holiness. As Proverbs 3:11-12 advises, "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights."

Conclusion

Reproof on account of impenitence is a recurring theme in Scripture, underscoring the necessity of repentance and the perils of a hardened heart. Through reproof, God extends His mercy and offers a path to redemption, urging His people to turn from their sins and seek His forgiveness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 11:20-24
Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Dedication
... my principal errand, I shall give you an account of the ... that they are more offended
at the reproof than at ... will not be, because of their guilt and impenitence. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/dedication.htm

The Weeping Saviour.
... on in a state of presumptuous impenitence"salvation unsought ... which stole down that
cheek on account of unrequited ... will yet turn at His reproof, believe and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xii the weeping saviour.htm

Satan's Devices
... his father's wife; but either on account of his ... dear children, no sooner received
this reproof, but they ... or number of our crimes, but impenitence and unbelief ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/satans devices.htm

"Is not this the Carpenter's Son?"
... They made no account of the sign already given ... word, Jesus need not have wept over
their impenitence. ... better than they could bear Christ's reproof of their sins ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 24 is not this.htm

The Betrayal
... Master's direction, to the poor, but no account was asked. ... Our Lord added these
words"there is reproof in them ... Lord, when he saw the final impenitence of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the betrayal.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... the patience which they abused. Infinite was the wickedness upon this
account which they committed. After all their abusings of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Nor is it a sign but of desperate impenitence and hardness ... A home reproof, indeed,
but home [reproof] is most fit ... then let me hear from you an account of his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

part ii
... prayer let your whole heart be in God, and do not on any account let it ... in the words
of the prophet David: "Our soul is filled with the scornful reproof of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm