God Hates Sin
The concept why the Creator would hate sin is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of His nature as depicted in the Bible.
1. The Lord’s Holiness
The Lord is often described in the Bible as holy, emphasizing His absolute purity, perfection, and separateness from anything impure or sinful.
Isaiah 6:3 (NKJV): “And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!'”
Leviticus 19:2 (NKJV): “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.'”
Revelation 4:8 (NKJV): “The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!'”
The Lord’s holiness implies an inherent opposition to anything contrary to His perfect and pure nature. Iniquity, being the antithesis of holiness, elicits a response of aversion from Him.
2. The Lord’s Righteousness
The Lord’s righteousness is closely tied to His moral perfection and justice. His nature is intrinsically aligned with what is right and just.
Psalm 11:7 (NKJV): “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.”
Psalm 145:17 (NKJV): “The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works.”
Deuteronomy 32:4 (NKJV): “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.”
The Lord’s righteousness cannot tolerate transgression, as transgression represents a deviation from His perfect moral standard. The very nature of Him demands a response of hatred towards that which is contrary to His righteousness.
3. Iniquity as Separation from the Creator
Iniquity is depicted in the Bible as a force that separates humanity from the Lord. This separation is a consequence of transgression is inherent rebellion against the divine will.
Isaiah 59:2 (NKJV): “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.”
Romans 6:23 (NKJV): “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Iniquity introduces a barrier between humanity and the Creator, disrupting the intimate relationship that He desires to have with His creation. This separation is a source of sorrow for the Lord, prompting a response of aversion towards sin.
4. The Heavenly Father’s Love for His Creation
The Lord’s hatred for rebellion is also rooted in His deep love for His creation. Rebellion introduces corruption, suffering, and harm into the world, causing a rift in the harmony that God intended.
John 3:16 (NKJV): “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
The Creator’s love is not passive; it is proactive and redemptive. The consequences of iniquity, including death and separation, go against His love for His creation. Therefore, the Lord’s hatred for iniquity is a reflection of His love for humanity and His desire to reconcile and restore what iniquity has damaged.
5. The Lord’s Desire for Holiness in His People
The heavenly Father calls His people to holiness, urging them to live in accordance with His moral standards. Transgression is contrary to His desire for His people to reflect His character.
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NKJV): “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'”
Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV): “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
The heavenly Father’s hatred for iniquity is not only directed towards the sin itself but also towards anything that hinders the sanctification and holiness of His people. Transgression disrupts the transformative work that He desires to accomplish in the lives of those who follow Him.
6. The Destructive Nature of Rebellion
The Bible portrays rebellion as a destructive force that brings harm to individuals, communities, and the entire creation. The Lord’s aversion to rebellion stems from its capacity to cause pain and suffering.
Romans 6:23 (NKJV): “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
James 1:15 (NKJV): “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
Rebellion’s consequences include physical, spiritual, and eternal death. The Lord’s hatred for rebellion is a response to its destructive impact on His creation.
Why does God hate sin? – Conclusion
In Bible, the verses illuminate the reasons behind the Lord’s hatred for iniquity. It is grounded in His holiness, righteousness, love for His creation, desire for holiness in His people, and recognition of the destructive nature of rebellion. The heavenly Father’s response to transgression is not arbitrary but is rooted in His unchanging character and His commitment to the well-being and redemption of humanity. His hatred for iniquity is inseparable from His love for righteousness, justice, and the restoration of the relationship between Himself and His creation through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team