The concept of the sacred and profane distinction carries profound weight in understanding what is acceptable to God. Something profane is literally against the temple, far from the true worship of the true God, encompassing not only foul words but also people, behaviors, and even instruments of worship. God's concern for maintaining this distinction between holy and unholy, clean and unclean, reflects His nature, character, and way of life. He issues stern warnings and severe consequences for profaning what He holds sacred, demonstrating the gravity of this separation. God instructs His children in what is proper and what is not, so they may mirror His values, for to be unconcerned with these designations is to be unconcerned with God Himself. He requires those called into His service to be holy as He is holy and to discern between the holy and unholy, the clean and unclean, for through this distinction, they come to know Him. Currently, the failure to uphold this separation prevails, as uncleanness contaminates through contact with the profane, rendering the work of human hands unfit for His service. Yet, a future time is foretold when God's appointed leaders shall teach His people to discern these differences and uphold His laws, hallowing what is sacred.

The distinction between sacred and profane worship is a fundamental concern when examining systems of belief. Biblically, what is often termed as pagan worship does not solely refer to statues or mythological gods, but to any form of worship foreign to God, not commanded by Him. Scripture uses terms like idols, idolatry, nations, Gentiles, or heathen, and words such as "zir" in Hosea 5:7 and "nakiri" in Ezra 10:2, meaning strange or profane, to describe worship outside of God's instruction. This unauthorized worship, even if sincere, is not acceptable to Him, as seen in Leviticus 10:1 with Nadab and Abihu, who offered profane fire before the Lord and faced severe consequences for disregarding His commands. God determines how He is to be worshiped, and good intentions are insufficient if they deviate from His instructions. Deuteronomy 12:31-32 explicitly warns against worshiping the Lord in ways not prescribed by Him, emphasizing that nothing should be added to or taken away from His commands. Throughout Scripture, God authorizes only one law, one covenant, and one way of worship, as affirmed in Exodus 12:49 and Isaiah 56, where even foreigners joining the Lord must adhere to His appointed times and reject foreign practices. Modern practices often mirror ancient condemned behaviors, merely under new names, blending traditions and calendars that God warned against. This blending results in worship that Scripture deems strange, foreign, and abominable, a system unrecognizable to God. Deuteronomy 12:30 further cautions against adopting the worship practices of other nations, underscoring that God does not permit worship of Him in ways borrowed from others. The call in Revelation 18:4 to "come out of her, My people" urges a return to worship as God designed, aligning with His authority rather than human tradition, and living a life of obedience on His terms.