Another reminder as we start part 3, that we’re talking about sin using Revelation 21:8, which is partially repeated in 22:15 (those without). Following is the verse from different translations as well as the direct Greek translation. This list does not comprise all sin, it’s a short list, please take the time to study other lists as well that are found in both the Old and New testaments. NO sin: one or many, small or big, can come into the presence of God (heaven): it is Jesus’ blood that takes away our sin and allows us to come before God.
— But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. — Revelation 21:8 (KJV)
— But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. — Revelation 21:8 (NIV)
— τοῖς δὲ δειλοῖς καὶ ἀπίστοις καὶ ἐβδελυγμένοις καὶ φονεῦσιν καὶ πόρνοις καὶ φαρμάκοις καὶ εἰδωλολάτραις καὶ πᾶσιν τοῖς ψευδέσιν τὸ μέρος αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ λίμνῃ τῇ καιομένῃ πυρὶ καὶ θείῳ, ὅ ἐστιν ὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερος. — Direct Greek
— tois de deilois kai apistois kai ebdelugmenois kai phoneusin kai pornois kai pharmakois kai eidololatrais kai pasin tois pseudesi to meros auton en te limne te kaiomene puri kai theio, ho estin ho thanatos ho deuteros. — Direct Greek with Roman-lettering
Continuing on with the next one on the list: the abominable. From the direct Greek text, the word is “ἐβδελυγμένοις”/”ebdelugmenois” which is translated to: disgusting, repulsive, detestable, abhorrent, abominable, vile.
The use as well as meaning of the word abominable/abomination has changed throughout the centuries. In our modern language, the best understanding of the word for bible reading is “disgusting” or “repulsive”. Remember what I wrote last week about how God feels about sin: Sin is disgusting, unsightly, grating, and stinks to God.
If you search for the word in the bible, you will find it used often. However, do not search in an attempt to compile a finite list of what are abominations to God. I’m in no way saying to ignore what you find, but understand that in the same way as we’ve said that Revelation 21:8 is not a complete list.
In most of the searches you will find acts or things getting called out as an abomination, but notice in this verse it is the person who is being called out as abominable; think on that for a second. How would you feel if you did something and your closest loved one in heartbreak said: “that is disgusting” versus “you are disgusting”? It’s not quite the same when it’s directed at you being the source versus the thing or act is it? And, when it’s from someone important in your life it’s even more impactful.
And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. — Genesis 6:5
for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth — Genesis 8:21
To be called abominable means the source must come from your heart. Today in our society anything goes; there is no restraint on people’s morality. In fact, the more vile, unruly and disgusting you can be the more it’s praised. Whenever someone has a “public freak out” what’s the first thing the surrounding people do? They flip out their phones so they can share it; people love it and draw pleasure from it, because that’s where their hearts are too. Notice in the Genesis verses above God said “imagination and thoughts”, he didn’t even go into practices.
There was a post on Reddit last week where someone asked about playing a popular game, one that has a sequel coming out soon as of this writing. The game series itself is known for its glorification of sin, immorality and evil: everything we, Christians, stand against. That being the case, why would we take pleasure in reenacting any of that or want to be in an environment that glorifies it? You don’t need a scripture for that. As a new creature in Christ those things should disgust you, and at the very least you should be convicted by the Spirit. This is also the reason why I’m neither saying the name of the game, which I’m sure many of you can figure out, nor am I going to give specific abominable things. You need to examine your heart with the conviction of The Spirit; even the unredeemed are convicted by The Spirit. If they who are not called by His name are convicted, then how much more so will He convict His own people?
Last, people have gravitated towards the mindset that if it’s not hurting anyone else it’s OK to do, and we can ignore it. That’s not true and watch that mindset as it invites the spirit of the Antichrist. I have a write-up about that, that I will post as soon as I have the unction to do so. “Not hurting anyone else” does not change the fact that what is vile and disgusting, is still vile and disgusting… And, that defense absolutely will not work on judgment day.
If you are not saved/redeemed please do so today.
Come to God open, empty and without statements.
Ask him to be real to you and believe in Him.
Humble yourself before Him, confess who you are, and tell Him that you are sorry for your sins.
Ask Him to forgive you and to come into your life and start a personal relationship.
Believe this and be born again!
May God bless and keep all who read this.
May God bless and keep all brothers and sisters, new and old in the faith, in his name.
With his love and mine,
Chrom