Reading and studying scripture is something every BBB (Bible Believing Believer) should do daily without fail, along with praying. We should consider the word of YAHWEH daily like we desire food, water, and shelter daily. While reading and studying scripture, one must examine (2 Corinthians 13:5) thyself by the word of YAHWEH. Sin, transgression, and iniquity have a way of hiding themselves in a hardened heart. But as a BBB, you are daily renewing your mind with the word of YAHWEH and cross-examining your actions and heart (Romans 12:2, Proverbs 4:23). If the scripture does not guide us, we risk becoming modern-day Pharisees or Sadducees, knowledgeable about the Word of YAHWEH but a self-righteous, self-absorbed hypocrite.
Iniquity: Wicked or immoral in nature or character.
As previously covered in (Pt. 1, 2, and 3) sin is breaking the Law (Torah, commandments, and precepts) of YAHWEH, and transgression is intentionally disobeying despite recognizing, understanding, and knowing that it is wrong. Today we will discuss iniquity, the worst of the three. The roots of iniquity go deep and affect your character. These roots penetrate your heart, mind, and spirit as it deals with premeditated sin.
Hebraic Roots Bible (HRB): Woe to those plotting or devising (Iniquity) wickedness and preparing evil on their beds! In the light of the morning they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. (Micah 2:1 HRB)
(Micah 2:1) speaks directly about iniquity and how these men laid out designs in their minds about the sins they wanted to commit. Throughout the night, they tirelessly plotted and schemed wickedness to establish blueprints with different strategies to accomplish the sin(s). I imagine them getting so immersed in their thoughts of sin that they created multiple contingencies to fall back on in case things didn’t go as planned. When morning came, they finalized and implemented the plans as they became overtaken by iniquity. The scripture finishes with a revealing conclusion as to why they planned all night to sin. They did it “because it is in the power of their hand.” which suggests they saw an opportunity to sin and knew they had the means, resources, or power to commit the offense successfully. These are the actions of a morally deprived person.In the case of these men, their iniquity was motivated by greed and covetousness. Unfortunately, we learn from (Micah 2:2) that they did have the means, resources, and power, so they oppressed the people and took their homes, fields, and inheritance.
A modern-day example would be the conman lawyer who designs a plan to trick a widow out of her house or a politician who systematically plans or arranges the closing of homeless shelters to increase their salary. People immersed in sin have hardened or tainted hearts and character, which produces iniquity. Furthermore, iniquity is not merely about the act of sin but also about the spirit of radical contempt for YAHWEH and his law which extends beyond transgression.
Let’s again consider King David and his encounter with Bathsheba in (2 Samuel Chapter 11) to illustrate temptation, sin, transgression, and iniquity. David’s heart became hardened due to his lust for Bathsheba and lack of repentance. This sin progressed into transgression and grew more serious. He lied, schemed, deceived, used his power as King, and had Bathsheba’s husband murdered after committing adultery with her. David’s life had become plagued by iniquity.
Temptation:
- Bathsheba was bathing on the rooftop in the eyesight of King David, causing his temptation. (2 Samuel 11:2)
Sin:
- Temptation turned into lust which is sin. Covet in Hebrew is “chamad,” which means to lust, desire, or take pleasure in. (Exodus 20:17, Luke 12:15, Colossians 3:5)
- Temptation and lust caused him to search for Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11:3)
Warning:
- David received his warning and way of escape from YAHWEH when he learned that Bathsheba was married to Uriah the Hittite, one of his mighty men. (2 Samuel 11:3) Finding out she was married probably reminded him that he also was married.
- David lingered too long on this temptation, ignored the warnings and escape route, and was overtaken by sin.
Transgression:
- He requested Bathsheba to come to him, and he intentionally transgressed, which included fornication and adultery. (2 Samuel 11:4)
- Fornication and adultery produced an unwanted pregnancy. (2 Samuel 11:5)
Iniquity:
- David used his authority and power to continue in sin instead of repenting, showing that David’s character at the time was flawed.
- Unwanted pregnancy produced lies and deception. (2 Samuel 11:6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
- Lies and deception turned into murder. (2 Samuel 11:14)
Repentance:
- YAHWEH sent the prophet Nathan to confront David in (2 Samuel 12) about his sins, transgressions, and iniquity.
- David acknowledges his sin, transgressions, and iniquities; and repents (2 Samuel 12:13).
- David recorded his passionate plea for forgiveness in (Psalm 51). He asks YAHWEH in verses 1-3, 1) “Let your grace be to me, O Elohim, according to Your loving-kindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies; blot out my transgressions.” 2) “Wash me completely from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” 3) “For I know my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me.”
Whether sin(s), transgression(s), or Iniquities, YAHWEH is merciful and gracious to forgive us of them all through the sacrifice of his son Yahshua (YAH is Salvation). “And YAHWEH passed by before his face and called out: YAHWEH! YAHWEH Elohim! Merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and great in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and not leaving entirely unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons, and on sons of sons, to the third and to the fourth generation.” (Exodus 34:6-7 HRB) (Numbers 14:18)
Sin is missing the mark, transgression is choosing to sin, and iniquity is planning/plotting out sin. What will you do when the power is in your hands? To sin, or not to sin, that is the question!
By David Edwards