Let’s ruminate together on the Scripture. This may cause us to have a brain cramp. Read CLOSELY about God’s hatred from Proverbs 6:16-19…
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, 19 a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
In order, God hates…
“Haughty eyes…” Not “the look of haughty eyes.” Though He does…
“A lying tongue…” Not “the lies a person tells.” Though He does…
“Hands that shed innocent blood…” Not “the actions that shed innocent blood.” Though He does…
“A heart that divises wicked plans…” Not “the wicked plans.” Though He does…
“Feet that make haste to run to evil…” Not “running to do evil.” Though He does…
“A false witness who breathes out lies…” Not “the lies people tell.” Though He does…
“And one who sows discord among brothers.” Not “the discord caused by a person.” Though He does…
For brevity’s sake, consider the last two phrases. God hates “A false witness WHO…” and “One WHO sows discord.” Those apply to people… not their actions (Though God does hate the actions AND the results of the same). If it really is Biblical to say that “God hates the sin not the sinner,” why doesn’t He somehow punish the sin of the sinner in hell rather than the sinner himself?
Then, consider what was inspired by the Holy Spirit as written in Psalm 5:5 about God… “The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all evildoers.” Is it just me or did the Spirit inspire to be written something we don’t like regarding God’s attitude toward some people AND their actions? Those reflections cause in me the need to seek God.
Preaching/teaching something from the Bible and preaching Biblical truth are not the same thing. It is God’s will that HIS words not be twisted to mean anything other than what He means. These thoughts are what I’m meditating upon today… trying to understand… and grasp rightly God’s truth. And to tell you the truth, it’s causing me to have a “brain cramp.”
Oh… I’m more perplexed by God’s LOVE (Next blog post… God Willing)
Outstanding! Thank you for this.
Well….I must say, I had never thought of it like this before and want to consider it. But you are right, the sinner will be in hell, not just the sin. I am eager to read your follow up post. Thanks for challenging my thinking.
Think about this Peggy… if God doesn’t challenge us, we won’t grow. If God doesn’t contradict what we believe periodically, then we have stagnated in the faith. Sometimes the challenges and contradictions lead to AFFIRMATIONS of what we already believe… sometimes they lead to a more mature view of what we believe… and sometimes it is correct what we believe that doesn’t conform to the Scriptures. Monday’s post should challenge you much more than this one did.
Blessings! Ron
I totally agree. I think we just don’t get challenged enough sometimes and we don’t dig deep enough to grasp the entirity of the scriptures. God bless and continue to use you, is my prayer. I look forward to the next blog.
Peggy