See, it is an abomination!

I have heard the word abomination and homosexuality referred to in the same sentence 1000 times, possibly more. But when I look at the scriptures I see the word is used for a number of other sins which are far less mentioned or discussed. This blog won't be going into the details of these but rather will be a brief look at the word and some of its uses in relation to sin and human behaviour. For example, I won't be addressing things like the abomination that causes desolation nor much in reference to idolatry where it is used many times.

To lay a groundwork for this we need to look at the Hebrew word: 'toebah' used 117 times in the OT. It is used to refer to groups of sins such as various practices and idolatries. It is used of other people who think the Israelites are an abomination (e.g. to the Egyptians). And it is used of various specific sins such as the infamous Leviticus 18:22 where a man is not to lie with a man as with a women it is an abomination. So lets start here briefly. The most significant issue in Leviticus 18 is actually verse 30, where, the same word translated as abomination is used in general to refer to all of the previous list of wrongs according to the law. Basically it creates a segment of text, beginning with 18v1 'Then the LORD spoke to Moses saying...' and ending with 18:30. You see these sections in the law quite regularly, and it basically means the whole of Chapter 18 is viewed as a series of abominations. So there is a lot more that is considered an abomination than just homosexual sex.

Moving swiftly to Deuteronomy 25 v16, in a similar way to the end of Leviticus 18 where you have an overall evaluation where all of the previous section is regarded as abominations, we also have at the end of the written law a statement:

'For all who do such things, ALL who behave unrighteously are (pause for effect...) an abomination to the LORD your God'. (NKJV).

It appears from the general statement that this isn't limited to just a group of laws recently written (which is why we need to be careful of subtitles that are not actually part of God's word). It seems to be a general statement... 'All who behave unrighteously are an abomination to the LORD your God'. In short, all sin is an abomination to a Holy God. Which in many ways makes sense. With knowing and learning about how completely Holy God is, everything that is sinful would, logically, be an abomination.

Next we look at Proverbs 26:25 where it talks of abominations in the heart, but whose heart? verse 24 explains, a hateful person who disguises it with his lips. Hate in the heart hidden is an abomination. I can think of plenty of Christians who store up hatred in their hearts and pretend on the outside. Being honest, I've done it myself.

Next, here is another fun one in Isaiah 1:13 incense. Yep, incense is an abomination, well, not strictly, the context demonstrates that the incense is an abomination because of the prophet's general message that all their sacrifices were meaningless, they were meaningless and offensive because even while they were doing the right thing in temple service, they were living in sin generally outside of that. Their righteous acts did the opposite of what they were for. Instead of being an act of worship, their offerings offended God because they lived unrighteously. As it can be with us, when we have hatred, unforgiveness, lack mercy, ignore the poor, the acts of worship can be offensive to God-or in other words an abomination. And we we skip briefly to revelation 3v16 where Jesus describes vomiting or spitting the church out of his mouth. While it may not use the word for abomination, we get he picture of utter disgust. They were a Jesus professing worshipping church, that were disgusting to God.

Want more? Okay a couple more: proverbs 6:16 presents a list of abominations which include a proud look, a lying tongue and amongst other ones 'one who sows discord among brethren'.

How many who have been part of a church and have sown discord in some way? Gossiping? mouthing off about the leaders? slandering others? Yep, it is all an abomination.

And to take it one step further, while there are a number of references to idols being abominations, when we see in the new testament greed being referred to as idolatry (Colossians 3:5), it takes on a whole new meaning, and I have known and seen plenty of greedy 'Christians'. They may be in polite heterosexual, well behaved, clean shaven relationships and respected members of the church, perhaps even leaders, BUT, their hearts are full of greed. Which, according to God's word is an abomination.

When I see people treat homosexuality as if it is the worst sin in the world because scripture says 'abomination' which to many make it seem like its far worse than other sins. Do other sins get challenged as much or in the same way or even as fervently even though there are plenty of them in the church? Yet, when we see other references to what is an abomination, we see that generally, all sin is an abomination to a Holy God, which includes hatred hidden in the heart and hypocritical worship.

So there we have it, take from it what you will and continue to look into it for yourself. Let's not isolate one sin like is the worst sin and be humble about our own abominations before God and give people the gospel of Jesus Christ who saves us from our sin, our abominations, and gives us new life, a hope and a future.