Higby argues that God's hardening of reprobate hearts involves active determination of their sinful desires rather than mere withdrawal of restraint, as exemplified in Pharaoh's case throughout the Exodus plagues. He contends that the "removal of restraint" interpretation contradicts Scripture's explicit teaching that God actively hardens hearts (Romans 9:18, 21; Exodus 14:4) and that genuine foreordination requires God's constant sovereign control over the specific sentiments and actions of all creatures. The author maintains this doctrine is essential to reconcile God's absolute foreordination with His glory, arguing that without such comprehensive predetermination of evil's precise course, salvation history itself would be jeopardized.
What does the Bible say about God hardening hearts?
The Bible indicates that God actively hardens hearts, as seen in Romans 9:18 and Exodus 14:4.
Reprobate hearts are not merely influenced by external circumstances but are actively shaped by God's sovereign will. This counters interpretations that suggest God's role is merely permissive, as the biblical narrative consistently reveals God's active involvement in the falling away of those who reject Him. Thus, God's hardening is purposeful, aimed at fulfilling His divine plan and bringing glory to Himself through judgment.
Romans 9:18, Exodus 14:4
How do we know God's sovereignty is true?
God's sovereignty is affirmed in scripture, particularly in Romans 9, where His authority over creation and hearts is established.
Moreover, the biblical narrative reinforces this truth by showing examples of God's sovereign choices, such as the hardening of Pharaoh's heart in the Exodus. God did not merely allow Pharaoh to rebel; rather, He actively ordained the course of events whereby Pharaoh’s heart was hardened to fulfill His purposes. The consistent testimony of Scripture points to God’s ultimate authority, ruling over all creation and the affairs of men, confirming that God's sovereignty is not only true but essential for understanding His character and plan for humanity.
Romans 9:21, Exodus 14:4
Why is the concept of reprobation important for Christians?
Reprobation highlights God's sovereignty and justice, demonstrating His control over salvation and judgment.
Additionally, reprobation teaches us about the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine justice. It clarifies that all of humanity is deserving of condemnation due to sin, and thus, the election of some is entirely a product of God's grace. This understanding ultimately leads to greater humility and reliance on God, fostering a profound gratitude for His unmerited favor towards the elect. Understanding the full scope of God's sovereignty through reprobation enhances the assurance of believers, as they recognize their secure standing in Christ amidst the backdrop of a fallen world.
"Therefore he has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens." (Rom. 9:18)
"Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?" (Rom. 9:21)
"Then I will harden Pharaoh's heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD." (Ex. 14:4)
What is involved in God's act of hardening the hearts of reprobate souls? Is it merely a withdrawal of external worldly constraint, as so many expositors would have us believe? Those who labor diligently to uphold such a position are operating with the long-cherished assumption that God does not create evil or wickedness in the hearts of creatures. So the only way to explain away the biblical assertion that God hardens hearts is to propose that God could not possibly have actually done anything within the heart! Supposedly, the Lord took away restraining circumstances that kept Pharoah's heart "in check."
The 'removal of restraint' interpretation would actually have us believe the opposite of what scripture explicitly teaches regarding God's actions in the Exodus event. The Lord multiplied plagues and misery upon Egypt and Pharoah. The external circumstances sent were those that have caused the humiliation of many otherwise proud men into the dust, fearing even greater retribution and sorrow. But in conjunction with the increasing judgments that God sent upon Pharoah, the Lord correspondingly hardened Pharoah's heart more rigidly against even a nominal repentance that would avoid temporal suffering. The hardening was separate from the sending of terrible calamity. The more suffering that Pharoah endured, the more determined he became to rebel against God in his thoughts and actions.
It is precisely the Lord's constant determination of the condition of each and every heart that is the basis of the foreordaining of evil. If evil is unleashed merely by a removal of restraint, the exact course of that evil is somewhat unpredictable. So the doctrine that God merely permits or allows evil by removing his restraining presence must logically view history as a synthesis of God's predetermination and mere foreknowledge of what will happen (in the case of evil bearing fruit), as does the Arminian. Such a synthesis completely fails to reconcile the paradox that the lack of pre-determination of the precise course of evil, which would be accomplished by controlling the exact sentiments of the hearts of creatures at all times, makes the pre-determination of a desired part of history (the triumph of Grace and salvation) in jeopardy. There can be no reconciliation between a teaching of absolute foreordination and one of partial 'abstract' foreknowledge, ever.
To all eternity, the Lord never abandons his sovereign determination of every sentiment of every creature. He presently sustains Belial in his work of deception, insuring that every desire of the devil's heart will result in the exact course of thought and action that has been determined beforehand. Although the seed of reprobation is present in the non-elect from the very beginning of existence, God directs the sentiments of reprobation in such a manner that there is an increase in wicked desire and action. The seed is planted, watered, grows, and comes to fruition. This is how God hardens hearts, he makes the heart more wicked. As in the case of Pharoah, all such action by God is for the ultimate purpose of bringing glory and pleasure to himself and all his saints!
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