Contempt for the sacred refers to attitudes, actions, or behaviors that show a lack of reverence or respect for what is considered holy or divine. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, where reverence for God, His commandments, and His institutions is emphasized as a fundamental aspect of faith and obedience.

Biblical Instances and Teachings

1. Old Testament Examples:
· Nadab and Abihu: In Leviticus 10:1-2, Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded. As a result, fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them. This incident underscores the seriousness of approaching God with irreverence or disobedience.
· Belshazzar's Feast: In Daniel 5, King Belshazzar of Babylon held a great feast and, in a display of contempt, used the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem to drink wine and praise false gods. This act of sacrilege led to the writing on the wall and the subsequent fall of his kingdom.

2. New Testament Warnings:
· Jesus Cleansing the Temple: In John 2:13-17, Jesus drove out the money changers from the temple, declaring, "Stop turning My Father’s house into a marketplace!" This act highlighted the importance of maintaining the sanctity of places dedicated to worship and prayer.
· Ananias and Sapphira: In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit about the proceeds from the sale of their property. Their deceit was met with immediate divine judgment, illustrating the gravity of treating the Holy Spirit with contempt.

Theological Implications

Contempt for the sacred is not merely an external act but often stems from an internal disposition of the heart. It reflects a failure to recognize God's holiness and the honor due to Him. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Reverence for God is foundational to wisdom and understanding.

Consequences of Irreverence

The Bible consistently portrays contempt for the sacred as leading to divine judgment. Hebrews 10:29 warns, "How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?" This passage emphasizes the severe consequences of treating the redemptive work of Christ with disdain.

Respect for Sacred Institutions

The Bible also calls for respect towards sacred institutions such as marriage, the church, and the Sabbath. Hebrews 13:4 states, "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers." Similarly, the church is described as the body of Christ, deserving of respect and unity among its members (1 Corinthians 12:27).

Practical Applications

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a heart of reverence and awe towards God and His commandments. This includes honoring His name, His Word, and His creation. Psalm 29:2 exhorts, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." Worship, prayer, and obedience are practical expressions of reverence that counteract contempt for the sacred.

In summary, contempt for the sacred is a serious offense in biblical teaching, with both historical examples and theological warnings underscoring the importance of reverence for God and His holy ordinances.