Just What Is An Abomination

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From the book of Ezekiel we read,

“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations.'” (Ezekiel 14:6 – NKJV)

And from the gospel of Luke,

“And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.'” (Luke 16:15 – NKJV)

Both Old and New Testaments use the word “abomination.” And when used it is used in relationship to God. We are quick to speak of the things about God that we like, that are, so to say, comfortable, but what is often avoided is the matter that the same God considers many things to be an “abomination,” and such there are things He hates (cf. Proverbs 6:16-19; etc.).

This is a very frequent word in the Old Testament. It is the Hebrew word to-evah. It means, “something which is morally disgusting.” The word translated “abomination” in Luke 16 is a Greek word used just six times in the New Testament, but never the less, it is used. It means, “to turn away through loathing or disgust, to abhor.” The NASB translates the word, “detestable.”

God finds many things to be an “abomination.” They are “morally disgusting” to Him, He “abhors” them. And it is fitting for we who are disciples of Christ, children of the living God, to know what these things are and “to turn away” from them, “loathing” them just as our Father “loathes” them. Because God makes known to us the things that are an “abomination” to Him it behooves us to take note and be warned, for certain actions, characteristics, and behaviors are destructive to societies, to families, to individuals. An example of this would be the matter of homosexuality. Our society continues to advance this practice as an acceptable moral behavior, but in stark contrast to that, God calls this practice an “abomination” (Leviticus 18:22). In essence He warns us by His description of this act, that it is “morally disgusting,” that it is destructive (read Romans 1:18-32 to know how destructive it is).

Many modern day Bible readers tend to pass over the very clear lists of things God says are an “abomination.” Some say these are old-school teachings that the New Testament does not support. But yet, the New Testament also talks about that which is an “abomination” to God. The truth is, what God had written down as an abomination in the past still is such today. Truth transcends time, and God’s truth and His character never change (cf. Malachi 3:6) . . . and neither does what He considers to be an “abomination.”

It is true, that many of the ceremonies and customs carried out in the Old Testament no longer are observed. But then, those are civil matters, and civil matters can change. What does not change are moral matters, and what God says is “morally disgusting” in days past is just as “abhorrent” to Him today . . . and they are things we need to know and “to turn away” from.

Have a good day brethren . . . and as you walk be aware of what God hates and be of the same mind.

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