The concept of God giving people over to sin is a profound and sobering theme found throughout the Scriptures. It reflects the divine response to persistent human rebellion and the rejection of God's truth. This theme is most explicitly articulated in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul.

Romans 1:18-32
The clearest exposition of God giving people over to sin is found in Romans 1:18-32. Paul writes about the wrath of God being revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Despite the clear revelation of God's invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—people chose to reject Him. As a result, "God gave them over to the desires of their hearts to impurity, to dishonor their bodies with one another" (Romans 1:24). This passage continues to describe how God gave them over to shameful lusts and a depraved mind, leading to a litany of sinful behaviors.

Judicial Hardening
The act of God giving people over to sin can be understood as a form of judicial hardening. This is not merely a passive allowance of sin but an active judgment where God permits individuals to pursue their sinful inclinations as a consequence of their persistent rebellion. This hardening is seen in the Old Testament as well, such as in the case of Pharaoh during the Exodus narrative (Exodus 9:12). Pharaoh's heart was hardened as he repeatedly refused to heed God's command through Moses.

Ephesians 4:17-19
In Ephesians 4:17-19, Paul admonishes believers not to live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. He describes them as being darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God due to the ignorance that is in them because of the hardening of their hearts. "Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more" (Ephesians 4:19). This passage underscores the self-destructive nature of sin when individuals are given over to their own desires.

The Role of Free Will
The concept of God giving people over to sin also highlights the role of human free will. God respects the choices of individuals, even when those choices lead to sin and separation from Him. This divine allowance serves as both a judgment and a call to repentance, as the consequences of sin often lead individuals to recognize their need for God's grace and mercy.

Warnings and Exhortations
Throughout Scripture, there are numerous warnings against hardening one's heart and turning away from God. Hebrews 3:12-13 warns believers to "see to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness" . These exhortations serve as reminders of the dangers of persistent sin and the importance of remaining faithful to God.

The Hope of Redemption
While the theme of God giving people over to sin is indeed sobering, it is not without hope. The overarching narrative of the Bible is one of redemption and restoration. Even when individuals are given over to sin, God's desire is for repentance and reconciliation. The account of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 illustrates the heart of God, who eagerly awaits the return of those who have strayed. Through Christ, the power of sin is broken, and the opportunity for a restored relationship with God is made available to all who believe.