A WORLD OF INIQUITY
(Lawlessness)
INTRODUCTION
A world of iniquity is a phrase from the Bible describing the human tongue as a powerful, destructive force for evil, akin to a fire that defiles the entire body and is fueled by hell (James 3:6). It signifies that uncontrolled speech causes widespread wickedness, sin, and havoc, reflecting a corrupt heart.
Lawlessness (iniquity), promoted by the ungodliness of man, is spreading its tentacles of deception towards nations once under the influence of God’s Word. There is a movement to remove the godliness of man towards acceptance of that which is condemned in God’s Word.
A World of Iniquity
Global Infiltration
A world of iniquity has been showcased in the Biblical description of the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit. Has such risen again? Has that which is forbidden in God’s Word raise its ugly head again? Will God allow continuation or bring judgment?
An electronic age has brought the world together as never before. It was noted that the new electronic interdependence recreates the world into a global village (Marshall McLuhan).
Such an electronic age, if not properly utilized, can foster what has transpired in times past; before demise and destruction came at the hand of God. Has the forsaking of God, and His Word, lifted His umbrella of protection and provision? Thank God for godly individuals who recognize what is transpiring and refuse to be funneled into such deception.
Practice Iniquity
(Lawlessness)
A world of iniquity as noted by the Prophet Micah, who cried out: Woe to them that devise iniquity (lawlessness), and work (work out) evil upon their beds. When morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand (Micah 2:1). There is a need to sound the alarm; to awake one to what is happening in the land, a movement to enslave the people towards acceptance of ungodliness, an attempt to suppress the godliness established in the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God.
The last portion identified by Micah; it is the power of their hand, amply displays which is being issued forth by ungodly individuals who have been placed in power to establish laws and rulings that undermine godly principles. Thank God for those who stand in opposition.
Rejoice Not in Iniquity
Apostle Paul wrote: Rejoice not in iniquity (lawlessness) but rejoice in truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). I speak after the manner of men (in human terms) because of the infirmity (weakness) of your flesh; for as you have yielded your members servants (slaves) to unrighteousness and iniquity, even so now yield (present) your members to righteousness and holiness (Romans 6:19).
Paul was attempting to set the record straight towards adherence to the Word of God; not vain repetitions of man towards the unfruitful works of darkness (sinfulness) being presented as truth. There is a deception in the world and in some instances the church, to enslave one towards acceptance of the previously unacceptable. Thank God, he has given us the wisdom (though His Spirit) to countermand it with the truth.
Lodging of Wicked
Thoughts
The Prophet Jeremiah cried out: O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved, How long shall your vain (wicked) thoughts lodge with you (Jeremiah 4:14)? It was noted that such thinking can arise from many sources: absorbing immoral movies and television; carelessly surfing the Internet; listening to malicious talk; ignoring the Word of God; giving into a materialistic worldview.
It was noted that it had to be difficult for Jeremiah always having to be the bearer of bad news, and always being rejected. Jeremiah was continually mocked by the people for bringing nothing but words of condemnation. Jeremiah's words enraged the people. He challenged their social and moral behavior. He held his ground and was not afraid to give them unpopular criticism.
Today there are those who are giving humanity's vilest nature what they want to hear, justification to do exactly as they please with no regard to a day of reckoning. In a world of iniquity (lawlessness) we are witnessing an intermixing with a little of the truth to help nurture the falsehoods being proclaimed. It is of upmost importance that one be well-grounded in the Word of God to know the difference.
Lack of Shame
A world of iniquity has given recognition to the ungodly virtues of man; that once would have been a reproach or shame, but now embraced as acceptable with pride and openly proclaimed. The Prophet Jeremiah, in speaking the Word of the Lord, asked: Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush; therefore they shall fall among them that fall; at the time that I visit (punish) them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord (Jeremiah 6:15).
Stand in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls, but they said, we will not hearken. I set watchman over you, saying, hearken to the sound of the trumpet (sounding warning), but they said we will not hearken (Jeremiah 6:16-17).
Then came judgment: Hear, O earth (in a world of iniquity), I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened to my words, nor to my law, but rejected it (Jeremiah 6:19). How long will God delay judgment towards a world that is gaining in intensity towards the ungodliness of man rather than the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God? Thank God for the inroads being laid towards reversing this trend but oftentimes it is as little David facing the giant Goliath. God gave David victory that day (1 Samuel 17:50).
Outwardly Appear Religious
Jesus said: You (religious of His day) outwardly appear righteous unto men but within you are full of hypocrisy (falseness) and iniquity (lawlessness) (Matthew 23:28). Because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax (grow) cold (Matthew 24:12). It was noted that Christians in America, and in other similarly free nations, can be thankful they live relatively free from persecution.
However, it was noted that increased hostility toward Christians in Western nations may be a sign of worse times to come. As the Western nations move steadily toward living entirely by secular values, God’s Word is cast aside.
Apostle Paul wrote: Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (2 Corinthians 6:17). It was noted that a Christian should live a holy life that reflects the nature of God and avoid actions, influences, or people that will contaminate him.
Mercy or Wrath
The Prophet Hosea, in speaking the words of the Lord, said: Israel, return to the Lord your God, for you have fallen by your iniquity (lawlessness) (Hosea 14:1). A recipe for return has been provided by God: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways (a world of iniquity), then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
It was noted that while this promise was originally given to King Solomon regarding the people of Israel it certainly is applicable to all who will call on the name of the Lord in repentance and faith. Failure to do so was noted: But if you turn away and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them.
Then will I pluck you up by the roots out of my land which I have given you, and this house (temple), which I have sanctified (set apart) for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all nations (2 Chronicles 7:19-20).
Hope and Assurance
Scripture reveals: God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). He that believes on him is not condemned; but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:17).
A world of iniquity (lawlessness) would draw one away from such a hope and assurance; however, cleaving to Jesus as Lord and Savior, will ensure a heavenly gain. Jesus said: I stand at the door (of one’s heart) and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door (only you can), I will sup (dine or fellowship) with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20).
Apostle Paul wrote: Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13). Neither is their salvation (salvation of the soul) in any other name under heaven whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). I pray that if you have not already done so; you will make that commitment for tomorrow may be too late.
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