What Does God Hate at the Year's End?

As we close out one year, 2006, and we begin a new, it might be helpful to review just a few of the things that God hates. Too often the Almighty, Eternal God is portrayed as a inept tottering old man living in some fantasy land in the sky, maybe in Santa Claus’ neighborhood.

IS THERE ANTHING WRONG WITH LYING?

Yes. God HATES lying. In Proverbs 6 in the Judeo-Christian Bible identifies lying among the things that God hates, “There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:

· A proud look,
· A LYING TONGUE,
· And hands that shed innocent blood,
· A heart that devises wicked plans,
· Feet that run rapidly to evil,
· A false witness who utters lies,
· And one who spreads strife among brothers.

Today under moral relativism and situation ethics, telling lies may be more than acceptable, it may be expected. However, truth and integrity are God’s sole standard.

It is interesting to note that LYING is the one thing that it is impossible for God to do, though He is capable of doing anything He desires. God cannot do anything contrary to his character, which includes His absolute Holiness and Perfection.

IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG WITH DIVORCE?

Yes, in the Old Testament Book of Malachi, it states, “Take heed then to your spirit, and let no one deal treacherously against the wife of your youth. “For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with wrong," says the LORD of hosts.

In the New Testament in Matthew’s gospel the Bible states, “Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?" And He answered and said, "Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, and said, 'FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH'? "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together let no man separate." They said to Him, "Why then did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY?" He said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery."

God has pretty high standards when it comes to the divine and sacred institution of marriage.

IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG WITH ABORTION?

Yes, God hates the “shedding of innocent blood” which was already mentioned in the list of seven things that God hates (Proverbs 6:17).

IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG WITH CONSULTING THE DEAD?

Yes, a necromancer, or one who consults the dead is an abomination to God. It is listed among another list of identified by God in the Scripture in Deuteronomy 18, "When you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations. "There shall not be found among you anyone,

· sacrifice your son or daughter,
· one who uses divination,
· one who practices witchcraft,
· or one who interprets omens,
· or a sorcerer,
· or one who casts a spell,
· or a medium,
· or a spiritist,
· OR ONE WHO CALLS UP THE DEAD.

"For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD …” Many of these things mentioned are a part of the New Age movement that is sweeping liKe a storm of locusts across America today. We should be ever mindful that all of these practices are displeasing to God.

IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG WITH HOMOSEXUALITY?

Yes, it is an abomination to God. The Bible in Leviticus 18 says clearly, “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.” In Leviticus 20 we find, “' If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.”

GOD’S STANDARDS ARE ABSOLUTE

God is love. For love to be sincere it must hate sin. Otherwise, it is not love.

This seems to be pretty straightforward. If man chooses to violate God’s standard he is subject to God’s wrath, hatred and judgment. God will not tolerate sin of any kind forever. God’s standards are not subject to interpretation or debate. There are clear moral absolutes that are non-negotiable. When we violate His principles and precepts, we do so at our own peril.

Any society that practices homosexuality, abortion (the shedding of innocent blood and the sacrificing of one’s children), witchcraft or adultery will be cast out by land in which they live. The land is polluted by innocent blood through abortion.

By God’s sacrifice of His Son, Jesus through His grace and mercy, He willing forgives and forgets our willful affront to His standards. If we but acknowledge our sin and shortcomings and ask Jesus to come into our lives and hearts and we will then be saved from a life separated from God. May you do so in this New Year . . .

Have a happy, healthy peace filled New Year.

Note: gregjaye, fellow blogger on AGC weblog assisted in editing and offering ideas for this article.