The concept of God's hatred of sin is a fundamental theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His holy and righteous nature. Sin, defined as any action, thought, or attitude that falls short of God's perfect standard, is utterly incompatible with His character. God's aversion to sin is not merely a preference but a profound aspect of His divine justice and holiness.

God's Holiness and Sin

God's holiness is the foundation of His hatred for sin. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory." This thrice-repeated declaration emphasizes the absolute purity and separateness of God from all that is sinful. Habakkuk 1:13 states, "Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing." God's holiness demands a separation from sin, as it is contrary to His very nature.

Sin as a Rebellion Against God

Sin is often depicted in Scripture as rebellion against God's authority and law. In 1 John 3:4, it is written, "Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness." This rebellion is not a mere breaking of rules but a personal affront to God, who is the Lawgiver. Romans 8:7 explains, "The mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so." Sin, therefore, is an act of enmity against God.

God's Wrath Against Sin

God's response to sin is one of righteous wrath. Romans 1:18 declares, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness." This wrath is not capricious or unjust but is a necessary response to the moral order of the universe that God has established. God's wrath is a demonstration of His justice, ensuring that sin does not go unpunished.

The Consequences of Sin

The Bible consistently warns of the dire consequences of sin. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Sin leads to spiritual death and separation from God, as seen in Isaiah 59:2: "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." The ultimate consequence of unrepentant sin is eternal separation from God, as described in Revelation 20:15, where those not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire.

God's Provision for Sin

Despite His hatred for sin, God provides a means of redemption through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 reveals God's love and provision: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Through the atoning sacrifice of Christ, God offers forgiveness and reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

The Call to Holiness

Believers are called to reflect God's holiness by turning away from sin. 1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness is a response to God's grace and a reflection of His character. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians are enabled to resist sin and live lives that honor God.

In summary, God's hatred of sin is a reflection of His holy and just nature. While sin incurs His wrath and leads to separation from Him, God, in His love, has provided a way of redemption through Jesus Christ. Believers are called to live in holiness, turning away from sin and reflecting the character of their Creator.