Abomination

Recently, we studied the concept of "abomination" in a Sunday morning sermon here in Bozeman, MT.  Abomination means, "something regarded with disgust or hatred: something abominable" and "extreme disgust and hatred: loathing" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). This is a rather strong term to utilize, especially by God; if He says that something is an abomination to Him, then we should take note and avoid that which He hates and is disgusted by.

Paul wrote, "Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord" (See Ephesians 5:8-12). Clearly, if an action is an abomination to the Lord, then it would not fit the criteria discussed by the Apostle Paul. Further, John wrote, "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:1). If we are the children of God, then that designation determines what we participate in and what we support. The term "pure" means, "free from what vitiates, weakens, or pollutes,” “containing nothing that does not properly belong,” and “free from moral fault or guilt" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Clearly, works identified as abominable to God are not pure (remember the description of sin in 2 Peter 2:18-22). If they are not pure, then Christians are not to partake in or condone such activities. Paul also wrote, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret" (Ephesians 5:11-12).

Our current society mirrors that which the Apostle Paul describes in Romans 1. Reading through that passage, it is clear that a society without God digresses into debauchery. Unfortunately, many today advocate for the sins discussed in that passage, which is contrary to Paul's command, "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness." Sadly, it fits more with the Romans 1:32, "...who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." That is a sad, but sobering thought. It is best, then, to adhere to the admonition of "Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). The King James translation reads, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil."