Abomnation!

Abomination!

Bill Brinkworth

According to Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language, an “abomination” is an “extreme hatred, a detestation”. As harsh as that label is, there are many things that the Word of God defines as an abomination to God. It may surprise the “God is love” crowd when they discover there are things that God hates with disgust.

Although the word “abomination” occurs most in the Old Testament, God does not change (Malachi 3:6). What He hated over two thousand years ago, He still hates today.

Here are some of what the Bible describes is an abomination to God:
Not worshipping God the way He commands. Many in the Old Testament did not abide by God’s Laws, and it was an abomination to Him. Not worshipping Him the way He wants us to worship Him today is also an abomination.
“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” Prov. 28:9 Also: Lev. 7:18, Lev. 11:13, Deut. 17:1, Deut. 23:18, Isa. 1:13.

Idolatry and false worship.
“Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.” Deut. 27:15 Also: Deut. 7:25, Deut. 12:31, Prov. 15:8, Prov. 21:27, Jer. 32:35, Eze. 18:12.

Those that are habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition (“froward”). "Froward" also means: not willing to yield or comply with what is required, ungovernable.
“They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.” Prov. 11:20 Also: Prov. 3:32.

Deceitfulness, even in business.
“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” Prov. 11:1 This is referring to weighing a product with dishonest measurements.
“Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.” Prov. 20:10 Also: Prov. 20:23.

Lies.
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” Prov. 12:22
"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." Prov. 6:16-19

Not honoring the differences in the sexes God created.
“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” Deu. 22:5 Also: I Cor. 6:9.

Sexual Sin, including adultery, incest, homosexuality, and fornication (sexual relations between unmarried people).
“And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father's daughter.” Eze. 22:11 Also: Deut. 22:22.
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” Lev. 20:13 Also: Lev. 18:22.

Remarrying a divorced spouse.
“Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” Deu. 24:4 Also: Jer. 3:1.

Boasting pride.
“Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.” Prov. 16:5

All wickedness. Those that live an unrestrained lifestyle of wanton sin are an abomination unto God.
“The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.” Prov. 15:9 Also: Prov. 15:26.

Toleration of wickedness.
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” Prov. 17:15
“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15

Reading this incomplete list certainly should put a “Gulp!” in most of our minds, as some of our everyday or excepted behaviors are an abomination to the Creator. His never changing Word puts a spotlight on current day practices. No one can please God with sinful actions. We need to change! With God’s help and a repentant heart a saved person can keep a distance from behavior God hates.

It does not matter if current law allows or approves of certain practices and actions. People’s acceptance or approval also does not matter in the light of what God feels about our sin. If God says it is something He hates, we should be doing all we can to apologize and turn from doing abominable acts. How can anyone expect God’s hand of guidance, help, and grace when he is committing things God will not tolerate!

“If God is against sinful behavior, so should we!”