DO NOT BRING THE WAGES OF SIN INTO THE HOUSE OF GOD

Shalom, and may the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be exalted. Today, let us reflect deeply on a spiritual truth often ignored or softened: God does not accept worship or offerings from those who deliberately live in sin. This is not a matter of human opinion, but a truth anchored in Scripture.

1. God Is Holy and Does Not Fellowship with Sin

The holiness of God is central to biblical theology. God is absolutely pure, and sin cannot dwell in His presence.

Habakkuk 1:13 (NKJV):
“You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on wickedness.”

This means anyone who approaches God while knowingly persisting in sin—without repentance—is offering worship that God rejects. This includes pastors, prophets, evangelists, or any believer.

Isaiah 59:1-2 (NKJV):
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save;
Nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.
But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
And your sins have hidden His face from you,
So that He will not hear.”

2. Offerings from Sinful Sources Are Abominable

God specifically forbids the use of money earned through sinful or immoral means—such as prostitution or corruption—as offerings in His house.

Deuteronomy 23:18 (NKJV):
“You shall not bring the wages of a harlot or the price of a dog to the house of the Lord your God for any vowed offering, for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God.”

This reflects God’s demand for both inner purity and purity in giving. Offering God money gained from sin mocks His holiness. Sadly, many churches today shy away from teaching this clearly, fearing financial or membership losses.

3. Giving Is Not About Enriching Pastors—It’s About Worship

True biblical giving comes from a heart of worship, obedience, and gratitude. God doesn’t need our money; He wants our hearts.

Psalm 50:10-12 (NKJV):
“For every beast of the forest is Mine,
And the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know all the birds of the mountains,
And the wild beasts of the field are Mine.
If I were hungry, I would not tell you;
For the world is Mine, and all its fullness.”

Offerings are meant to transform us into givers, reflecting the generous nature of God. But when we give without repentance, it becomes hypocrisy.

4. Don’t Take Part in Sacred Things If You’re Living in Sin

Participating in sacred ordinances such as the Lord’s Supper or baptism while unrepentant is spiritually dangerous.

1 Corinthians 11:27-30 (NKJV):
“Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.”

We see this danger in Judas Iscariot, who shared in the Last Supper while planning to betray Jesus. Satan entered him at that very moment (John 13:26–27). What should have brought life became a path to death.

5. Even Baptism Must Follow True Repentance

Baptism is not a ritual or tradition—it is an outward sign of an inward transformation. If one is baptized without genuine repentance, the act is meaningless.

Acts 2:38 (NKJV):
“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

Romans 6:4 (NKJV):
“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Without the intent to live a transformed life, baptism becomes an empty symbol—and worse, a misuse of a holy sacrament.

6. Avoid Misusing Prophecy and Prayer Without Commitment

Seeking prophecy, prayer, or blessings while having no real intention of following God is spiritually hazardous.

Ezekiel 14:3-4 (NKJV):
“Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts… Should I let Myself be inquired of at all by them?”

God sees our hearts. If we approach Him with hidden sin or an unrepentant attitude, He will respond with judgment rather than blessing.

7. If You’ve Been Doing These Things—There Is Hope

If you’ve been giving offerings from sinful earnings or partaking in holy things while living in sin, perhaps out of ignorance, know this: God is merciful.

1 John 1:9 (NKJV):
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Here’s what you should do:

Repent sincerely from your sins.
Ask God to forgive you and wash you in the blood of Jesus.
Be baptized (if you haven’t been) in the name of Jesus Christ after true repentance.
Receive the Holy Spirit, who seals you as God’s own.
Live in holiness and obedience, offering your life as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).

Once you’re made right with God, your offerings will be acceptable, your prayers will be heard, and your worship will be pleasing—because you are under the covering of Christ’s righteousness.