These three words are used
throughout the Bible to describe the moral depravity of our race. God's
judgment falls upon men because of iniquity, transgression, and sin. INIQUITY
IS THE PERVERSENESS OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS. It is missing the mark, falling
short of that which is required by the law of God. How far short do we fall?
"We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy
rags" (Isa. 64:6). My best thoughts, best ambitions, best desires, and
best deeds are so polluted with sin that in the sight of God they are as vile
and obnoxious as discarded menstruous cloths. TRANSGRESSION IS THE
PERVERSENESS OF MY EVIL WORKS. It is the contemptuous disregard of God' s law, walking contrary to the law, and violating the
law by willful rebellion. Every thought, word, and deed that is contrary to the
law of God is transgression. It is the breaking of God' s
law. SIN IS THE PERVERSENESS OF MY BEING. This is what I am. This is the
source of all transgression and iniquity. My heart by nature is a foul,
polluted cesspool in which every manner of evil imaginable grows (Matt.
If we would obtain mercy from God, WE MUST CONFESS
OUR SIN (Prov. 28:13; I John 1:9). This
is more, than merely saying, with Judas, "I have sinned." It is a
heartfelt acknowledgement of our guilt and depravity. We must acknowledge the
evil of our righteousness, the evil of our wickedness, and the evil of our
nature, so that we take sides with God against ourselves (Ps. 51:1-5).
I rejoice to know and to declare to you that
THROUGH THE MERITS OF CHRIST'S RIGHTEOUSNESS AND SHED BLOOD GOD IS FAITHFUL AND
JUST TO FORGIVE INIQUITY, TRANSGRESSION, AND SIN (Ex. 33:6-7; I John 1:9).
This is the good news and glad tidings of the gospel. If we acknowledge and
confess our sin God will forgive our sin. The blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of
God, cleanses us from all sin.