Should the church accept money if it is obtained in an ungodly manner?

Any gains a woman made through prostitution she must not dare to bring as an offering to God (v.18). It would be a gross insult. The same was true as to the price of a dog. Dogs, as unclean animals, are typical of Gentiles in an unclean state of unbelief. What is connected with uncleanness is offensive to God. It was reported not long ago that an owner of a dog racing track gave one million dollars to a so-called television evangelist. Gains gotten by such gambling practices should be absolutely refused by one who does the Lord's work, for God can certainly not accept such things.

The wicked may think he is sacrificing something for God, as did Cain, but it is an abomination to the Lord (v. 8). Cain's sacrifice was itself contrary to what could please God, and even if a sacrifice in itself may be good, if given with a proud, self-satisfied attitude, it is abomination to God. Wicked, greedy men may be willing to offer to God $100 out of $10,000 which they have gained fraudulently, thinking this will make up for their crime!

Just as the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, the same is true of the way of the wicked (v. 9). They choose this downward way in spite of their own conscience, yet more seriously still, in spite of God's disapproval. But those who follow righteousness are walking in the sphere of God's love. Are we not reminded of Jude 21, "Keep yourselves in the love of God?" This does not mean to keep God loving us, but to keep ourselves in the enjoyment of His love by willing obedience to His Word.

"A proud [and] arrogant one, scorner [is] his name, deals in haughtiness of pride. "The longing of the sluggard kills him; for his hands refuse to work. "He longs greedily all the day; but the righteous gives and withholds not. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more [when] he brings it with a wicked purpose! "A false witness shall perish; but the man that hears shall speak enduringly. "A wicked man hardens his face; but the upright, he ordered (or, considers) his way. "[There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Jehovah. "The horse [is] prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance [is] of Jehovah."

"The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to Jehovah, but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight. "The way of the wicked [is] an abomination to Jehovah; but him that pursues righteousness he loves. "Grievous correction [is] for him that forsakes the path; he that hates reproof shall die. "Sheol and destruction [are] before Jehovah; how much more then the hearts of the children of men! "A scorner loves not that one reprove him; to the wise he will not go. "A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. "The heart of the intelligent [one] seeks knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish feeds on folly. "All the days of the afflicted [are] evil; but a cheerful heart [has] a continual feast. "Better [is] little with the fear of Jehovah than great treasure and disquiet therewith. "Better [is] a meal of herbs where love is, than a fatted ox and hatred therewith."

It was natural and a plain duty for a Jew, in case of a transgression, to bring the appointed offering to Jehovah. But this however was not only unavailing for the godless, but added fresh insult to God, unless with self-judgment before Him, and that hatred of the evil committed which would work deeper care and vigilance against repeating it. If it were only to get rid of uneasiness, the man would be weaker than before, and more ready to sin afresh, and offer his sacrifice again. Integrity of repentance was indispensable. Accordingly, the heinousness of such self-deception as compounding with God for sin is here strongly pointed out. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah." This is as certain as that He has delight and favour in the prayer of the upright. He looks into the heart.

But believers have "boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way, which he has consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, his flesh"; and are, moreover, members of the priestly family, associated with their great High Priest, who has already entered into the holiest.

It is an awful thought to think of the natural man, presenting himself as a worshipper under a religious garb; for the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord.

Jehovah has respect to the person before his offering. If it be a wicked person, how could his sacrifice be other than an abomination? So in Isaiah 66:1-4 we read of the apostate Jews in the latter day; they may trust in the temple they build, where once the Lord of glory filled it; they may sacrifice a lamb, and offer an oblation, and present a memorial of incense; but they are no better than a dog's neck or swine's blood, or blessing an idol, in His eyes who looks for and to the afflicted and contrite that tremble at His word. Worse still it is to bring a sacrifice with wicked aim, as superstition does.

Though the wicked may think they should be approved by making sacrifices, these are only an abomination to God (v. 27), for they are given with the object of making up for their otherwise wicked actions. Only the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary can avail to cover their sins, but they have no heart for this at all. But it is worse still when one brings a sacrifice with a wicked intent, that is, with the object of getting something more in return! But there are those who engage in such stupidity.

The word 'abomination' is used in the O.T. in reference to any iniquity as viewed by a holy God. It also designates what was unfit to be presented in the service of God, such as an animal with any sort of blemish being brought as a sacrifice; the price of a dog being put into the treasury, etc. Deut. 17:1; Deut. 23:18. The divine service became itself an abomination to God when it had fallen into a mere outward observance or was in association with iniquity. Isa. 1:13; Prov. 28:9. But idolatry was the special thing that was declared to be abomination to Jehovah. The idols themselves are thus designated: 2 Kings 23:13; Isa. 44:19; and Ezek. 8. shows the idolatry that was carried on in secret, and the 'greater abomination,' of bringing it actually into the inner court of the Lord's house, between the porch and the altar! The word is but seldom used in the N.T. and applies then to wickedness in general.

With what awful power the witchery of the Ishmael or religious principle shows itself in Matthew 27:6 and 25. The Jewish rulers had purchased the blood of Jesus, but they own the purchase-money to be so defiled a thing that they will not put it to the uses of the temple. They own the presence of the house more awful than the presence of Him who dwelt in it.

It is evident that something which was communicated was visible even to the eye of unconverted Simon. He could not see the inward communication of the Spirit of holiness, nor could Peter impart it. Nor did Simon desire to impart sanctification to whom he would. But he did desire to impart gift of miracle; and offered money to purchase the power.