INIQUITY
1. Definition
Iniquity (Hebrew: עָוֹן, ‘avon’; Greek: ἀνομία, anomia) is more than simple wrongdoing.
It is the twisting or perversion of the moral order—a bent or crookedness of the heart that expresses itself in habitual sin, injustice, and rebellion against God.
• Twistedness: Iniquity implies that human desires and intentions are distorted, producing repeated transgressions.
• Deliberation: It is often associated with deliberate choices contrary to God’s will.
• Deep-rooted nature: Unlike occasional sin, iniquity suggests a systemic corruption of the inner life.
It differs from ordinary sin by highlighting the moral and spiritual deformity within the human heart.
2. Biblical Dimensions
A. Old Testament
As a hereditary condition:
Psalm 51:5 “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
David acknowledges that iniquity is present from conception, highlighting the depth of humanity’s fallen nature.
As divine justice responds:
Exodus 34:7 “Keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty…”
Iniquity draws God’s righteous judgment, demonstrating that God both forgives and punishes according to His perfect justice.
Corporate iniquity:
Isaiah 1:4 “Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity…”
Nations and peoples can embody iniquity, showing that cultural corruption and moral failure can prevail collectively.
B. New Testament
Iniquity as lawlessness:
1 John 3:4 “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.”
Iniquity is a lawless heart—a rejection of God’s covenant.
Christ bearing iniquity:
Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray… and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Jesus takes on the iniquity of humanity, revealing both its gravity and the divine provision for redemption.
Spiritual warfare against iniquity:
Romans 7:14–25 “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing…”
Iniquity is a spiritual condition requiring the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome.
3. Theological Implications
A. Original Sin and Iniquity
Iniquity is closely connected to the doctrine of original sin.
Iniquity is inherited and personal, shaping human behaviour and the need for divine redemption.
B. Moral Responsibility
Even though iniquity is inherent, humans remain responsible for actions.
Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”
C. Christ as Remedy
Iniquity underscores the necessity of Christ’s atonement.
Hebrews 9:26 “…he has appeared once for all… to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”
4. Historical and Theological Perspectives
• Tertullian: Iniquity resides in the heart before deeds.
• Origen: "The soul's iniquity is ignorance and darkness, dispelled only by divine light."
• Calvin: “Iniquity is the corruption of the heart inclining it toward evil…”
• C.S. Lewis: Iniquity is the bent in the human soul
5. Practical Applications
Repentance: Recognizing iniquity leads to sincere confession.
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us…”
Spiritual vigilance: Guard the heart.
Compassion and humility: Awareness of personal iniquity fosters grace.
Transformation: Renewal through Scripture and the Spirit.
Romans 12:2 “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”
Corporate responsibility: Address systemic iniquity.
Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O man, what is good…”
6. Distinction from Sin and Transgression
Iniquity is root cause, sin is fruit, transgression is act.
7. One-Sentence Summary
Iniquity is the deep-seated, twisted corruption of the human heart that inclines it toward rebellion and sin, requiring confession, divine forgiveness, and sanctifying transformation through Christ.
In Daily Faith: Confess and turn from sin, seeking God’s forgiveness and restoration.
In Daily Faith
How Faith Confronts and Transforms Iniquity in All Areas of Life
1. In Your Heart — Cultivating Inner Purity
Psalm 139:23–24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there be any grievous way in me…”
Ezekiel 36:26 “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you…”
Proverbs 4:23 “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
Daily Practice:
Begin and end each day with honest examination and confession. Adopt a rhythm of “quick repentance,” keeping your heart tender before God.
Why It Matters:
Iniquity begins in the heart — transformation must begin there too.
A guarded, examined heart becomes fertile ground for holiness.
Encouragement:
God never exposes iniquity to shame you — only to heal you. He delights to give you a new heart.
2. In Your Thoughts — Renewing Your Mind
Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”
2 Corinthians 10:5 “…take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
Daily Practice:
When your mind spirals into anger, lust, fear, or pride, pause and declare a verse that counters it.
Why It Matters:
Iniquity twists thinking — renewal untwists it.
Right thinking leads to right living.
Encouragement:
God empowers you to take thoughts captive — you are not a prisoner to old patterns.
3. In Your Speech — Speaking Life Instead of Destruction
Psalm 34:13 “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths…”
Daily Practice:
Before speaking, ask, “Does this strengthen, bless, or heal?”
Silence is worship when the alternative would be sinful speech.
Why It Matters: Words reveal the heart — transforming speech transforms relationships and environments.
Encouragement: God can turn even a destructive tongue into an instrument of blessing.
4. In Your Relationships — Healing Patterns of Hurt
Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another… forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13 “…bearing with one another and… forgiving each other…”
James 3:16 “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder…”
Daily Practice:
Ask God daily to help you love others with patience and grace.
Seek forgiveness quickly; practice reconciliation whenever possible.
Why It Matters:
Iniquity fractures relationships — grace restores them.
Encouragement:
God can heal even long-standing relational wounds when meekness and forgiveness take root.
5. In Your Work — Honesty, Integrity & Diligence
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord…”
Proverbs 11:1 “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord…”
Titus 2:10 “…showing all good faith…”
Daily Practice:
Give honest effort, speak truthfully, resist compromise, and work with excellence as though God Himself is your supervisor.
Why It Matters:
Iniquity bends work toward selfishness — integrity bends it back toward worship.
Encouragement:
God sees every faithful act done in secret — your labour in Him is never wasted.
6. In Your Community — Resisting Cultural Iniquity & Promoting Justice
Micah 6:8 “He has told you… do justice, love mercy, walk humbly…”
Isaiah 1:17 “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression…”
Matthew 5:14–16 “You are the light of the world…”
Daily Practice:
Stand against unfairness, prejudice, gossip, or cruelty.
Use your influence to lift the weak, defend the vulnerable, and model Christlike humility.
Why It Matters:
Iniquity spreads socially — righteousness must spread socially too.
Encouragement:
Your light matters more than you know — God uses even small acts of justice to push back darkness.
7. In Your Habits — Practicing Spiritual Discipline
1 Timothy 4:7 “…train yourself for godliness.”
Galatians 5:16 “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Psalm 119:11 “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
Daily Practice:
Read Scripture, pray, worship, fast, and pursue accountability.
These habits reshape the desires that drive behaviour.
Why It Matters:
Habits shape the heart — discipline weakens iniquity’s grip and strengthens holiness.
Encouragement:
Every small act of obedience forms Christ in you — progress is real even when slow.
8. In Your Suffering — Trusting God Instead of Turning Toward Sin
Psalm 119:67 “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.”
Romans 5:3–5 “…suffering produces endurance… character… hope…”
Hebrews 12:10–11 “…he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.”
Daily Practice:
When wounded, run to God—not anger, addictions, or despair.
Let hardship push you deeper into dependence on Christ.
Why It Matters:
Suffering exposes iniquity — but also refines faith.
Encouragement:
God never wastes pain — He uses it to purify, strengthen, and draw you near.
9. In Your Future — Walking Forward in Freedom
Romans 6:6 “…our old self was crucified with him…”
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”
Ephesians 4:24 “…put on the new self, created after the likeness of God…”
Daily Practice:
Reject identities built on past sins or failures.
Declare God’s truth: “I am being renewed in Christ.”
Why It Matters:
Iniquity wants to define you — Christ redefines you.
Encouragement:
Your future is not chained to your past — God is making you new day by day.
Summary for Daily Life
Faith touches every corner of life—heart, mind, speech, relationships, work, habits, and suffering.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can confront iniquity, overcome sinful patterns, and grow in righteousness day by day.
In Daily Faith:
Confess and turn from sin, seeking God’s forgiveness and restoration; walk in the Spirit so that every area of life reflects Christ.
Scripture References:
Psalm 51:5
Isaiah 59:2
Romans 3:23