The term "debased" in a biblical context refers to a state of moral or spiritual corruption, where individuals or societies have fallen from a standard of righteousness and purity. This concept is often associated with idolatry, immorality, and a rejection of God's truth. The Bible provides several instances and teachings that illustrate the nature and consequences of being debased.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 1:28-32: One of the most direct references to a debased mind is found in Paul's letter to the Romans. The apostle Paul describes how humanity, having rejected the knowledge of God, is given over to a "depraved mind" to do what ought not to be done. This passage lists various sins that result from such a state, including envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. The debased mind is characterized by a willful ignorance of God's righteous decrees and a celebration of sinful behavior.

2. Psalm 14:1-3: The psalmist speaks of the fool who says in his heart, "There is no God." This denial of God leads to corruption and abominable deeds. The psalm highlights the universal nature of sin and the tendency of humanity to turn away from God, resulting in a debased state where "there is no one who does good" .

3. Isaiah 5:20-23: The prophet Isaiah warns against those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness. This inversion of moral values is a hallmark of a debased society, where justice is perverted, and the righteous are oppressed. Isaiah's message underscores the danger of moral relativism and the importance of adhering to God's standards.

4. Ephesians 4:17-19: Paul exhorts the believers in Ephesus not to live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. He describes them as having darkened understanding and being alienated from the life of God due to ignorance and hardness of heart. This passage emphasizes the transformation that comes through Christ, contrasting the debased nature of the old self with the renewed mind of the believer.

Theological Implications:

The concept of being debased is closely tied to the doctrine of sin and the fallen nature of humanity. It reflects the consequences of turning away from God and embracing a life contrary to His will. The Bible teaches that a debased mind is both a result of sin and a judgment from God, as He allows individuals to pursue their sinful desires to their own detriment.

From a theological perspective, the state of being debased underscores the need for redemption and transformation through Jesus Christ. The New Testament emphasizes the power of the Gospel to renew minds and restore individuals to a right relationship with God. Believers are called to reject the patterns of this world and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2).

Practical Application:

For Christians, the warnings against becoming debased serve as a call to vigilance in maintaining moral and spiritual integrity. It is a reminder to guard against the influences of a secular culture that often promotes values contrary to biblical teachings. Believers are encouraged to immerse themselves in Scripture, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and remain steadfast in prayer to resist the temptation to conform to a debased mindset.

In summary, the biblical concept of being debased highlights the seriousness of sin and the importance of living a life that honors God. It serves as both a warning and an invitation to embrace the transformative power of the Gospel, leading to a life of righteousness and holiness.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Debase.

2. (a.) Turned upside down from its proper position; inverted; reversed.

With the Opening of this ChapterWe Come to Quite a Different Theme ...
... This is, indeed, diametrically contrary to the teaching of modern science"that the
barbarous and debased tribes of earth are only in a less developed ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter v with the opening.htm

Whether Rapture Pertains to the Cognitive Rather than to the ...
... ii, 3) that "he who fed the swine debased himself by a dissipated mind and an unclean
life; whereas Peter, when the angel delivered him and carried him into ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether rapture pertains to the.htm

The Sacrifice
... by blood and death. But this view of sacrifice is not merely a heathen,
but a late and debased heathen conception. "Shall I give ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beibitz/gloria crucis/viii the sacrifice.htm

The Fruits of Grace
... under the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Egyptians were a peculiarly debased
people as to their idolatry. If you go into the British ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the fruits of grace.htm

The Brevity of Life.
... and they become blunted and dulled; leave your higher tastes uncultivated and they
die; let your affections feed on anything unworthy and they become debased. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/iii the brevity of life.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... These things have debased their minds, corrupted their morals, impoverished their
tribes, thinned their ranks, and hardened them against the truths of the ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

Sin Immeasurable
... Until I know how much all my powers are debased and depraved, how thoroughly my
will is perverted and my judgment turned from its right channel, how really and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/sin immeasurable.htm

The Power of Meditation
... If, therefore, you constantly dwell upon that which is selfish and debasing, you
will ultimately become selfish and debased; if you ceaselessly think upon that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/the power of meditation.htm

That Divine and Heavenly Things are Appropriately Revealed, Even ...
... each, so as neither, as one may say, to do violence to the Divine Powers, nor at
the same time to enthral us in the grovelling passions of the debased imagery. ...
/.../dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput ii that divine and.htm

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... The people were corrupt; their religious life debased. The example of the
kings was usually prejudicial to political healthiness. ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

Debased (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Debase. 2. (a.) Turned upside down from its proper position; inverted;
reversed. Multi-Version Concordance Debased (2 Occurrences). ...
/d/debased.htm - 7k

Debase (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 57:9 You went to the king with oil, and did increase your perfumes, and did
send your ambassadors far off, and debased yourself even to Sheol. ...
/d/debase.htm - 6k

Debate (13 Occurrences)

/d/debate.htm - 11k

Jezebel (20 Occurrences)
... The idolatry, too, was of the most debased and sensual kind." Her conduct was in
many respects very disastrous to the kingdom both of Israel and Judah (21:1-29 ...
/j/jezebel.htm - 26k

Worth (36 Occurrences)
... 3:8 And just as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so also these false teachers
withstand the truth--being, as they are, men of debased intellects, and of no ...
/w/worth.htm - 17k

Worm (22 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) Same as Vermes. 7. (n.) An internal tormentor; something that gnaws or afflicts
one's mind with remorse. 8. (n.) A being debased and despised. ...
/w/worm.htm - 21k

Withstand (22 Occurrences)
... 3:8 And just as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so also these false teachers
withstand the truth--being, as they are, men of debased intellects, and of no ...
/w/withstand.htm - 13k

Intellects (2 Occurrences)
... 3:8 And just as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so also these false teachers
withstand the truth--being, as they are, men of debased intellects, and of no ...
/i/intellects.htm - 7k

Degraded (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Degrade. 2. (a.) Reduced in
rank, character, or reputation; debased; sunken; low; base. ...
/d/degraded.htm - 7k

Base (127 Occurrences)
... the precious metals. 6. (a.) Alloyed with inferior metal; debased; as, base
coin; base bullion. 7. (a.) Morally low. Hence: Low-minded ...
/b/base.htm - 45k

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