The Bible teaches that humans are born into a world of sin, a condition known as iniquity. Yet, it also reveals God’s grace and power to redeem us. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about iniquity and how God provides freedom through Christ.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Born Again
What Does The Bible Say About Born Iniquity
Psalm 51:5
“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”
This verse emphasizes the doctrine of original sin, stating that all human beings are born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam and Eve. It acknowledges that sinfulness is not something acquired later in life but is present from the very beginning.
Understanding our born iniquity is vital as it reminds us of our need for God’s grace and mercy. It humbles us, recognizing that we are inherently flawed and incapable of saving ourselves. It highlights the importance of redemption through Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and a new nature to all who believe in Him.
Romans 5:12
“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people because all sinned.”
This verse reiterates the concept of original sin, explaining how sin entered the world through Adam. It emphasizes how sin leads to death and how all humanity shares in this fallen state.
Recognizing our born iniquity helps us understand the universal need for salvation. It reminds us that we are all equally affected by sin and in need of a Savior. It brings to light the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance, surrendering our lives to Christ, and placing our faith in His redemptive work.
Ephesians 2:1-3
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.”
This passage highlights the state of spiritual death in which humanity exists before coming to faith in Christ. It portrays the bondage of sin, the influence of worldly values, and the deception of the enemy that keeps people enslaved to their sinful nature.
Understanding our inherent sinful nature helps us comprehend the depth of God’s love and mercy. It shows that our salvation is not based on our own merit but is a result of God’s grace alone. It emphasizes the need for a radical transformation in our lives and the importance of turning away from our old sinful ways.
Jeremiah 17:9
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
This verse highlights the fallen nature of the human heart, characterized by deceitfulness and wickedness. It emphasizes the inherent inability of humanity to fully comprehend and rectify its own sinful condition.
Acknowledging our born iniquity prompts us to seek God’s wisdom, guidance, and transformation. It directs us to rely on God’s understanding rather than trusting in our own flawed perceptions. It reminds us of our constant need for humility, dependence on God, and the continual renewal of our hearts and minds through His Spirit.
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
This verse presents the universal reality that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s perfect standard. It emphasizes the equality of all humanity in their fallen state and their shared need for forgiveness and redemption.
Recognizing our born iniquity leads us to abandon any sense of self-righteousness and pride. It fosters an attitude of humility, acknowledging that no one is exempt from sin and everyone is dependent on God’s mercy. It highlights the need for salvation offered through Jesus Christ, who bore the weight of our sins on the cross.
Isaiah 53:6
“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
This verse depicts humanity’s tendency to wander away from God’s righteous path and pursue their own selfish desires. It acknowledges the collective responsibility for our sins and the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made to bear the weight of our iniquity.
Understanding our born iniquity brings us to a place of repentance, recognizing our need for a Savior. It deepens our gratitude for the sacrificial love of Christ, realizing that He willingly took upon Himself the consequences of our sins. It reminds us of the immeasurable grace and forgiveness available through Jesus’ atoning work.
Psalm 58:3
“Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies.”
This verse points out how even from an early age, individuals are prone to sinful behavior and deviate from God’s righteous ways. It highlights the deceptive tendencies present within human nature.
Acknowledging our born iniquity prompts us to guard our hearts and minds against the influence of sin. It reminds us of the importance of cultivating a lifestyle of truthfulness, integrity, and righteousness. It also underscores our continued dependence on God’s grace and guidance to overcome our sinful tendencies.
Proverbs 20:9
“Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin’?”
This verse challenges the notion of human perfection and asserts that no one can claim to be without sin or have a pure heart of their own accord.
Acknowledging our born iniquity leads us to embrace humility and honesty about our own imperfections. It compels us to seek God’s forgiveness, cleansing, and transformation. It reminds us that our righteousness comes from God alone, and it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we can be justified.
Romans 7:18-19
“For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”
This passage portrays the internal struggle between the desire to do good and the presence of our sinful nature, showing the ongoing battle against sin that believers face.
Understanding our born iniquity helps us empathize with others’ struggles and temptations. It reminds us of the constant need for God’s grace, strength, and guidance in overcoming sin. It teaches us perseverance and reliance on the Holy Spirit to resist temptation and live a life that honors God.
Psalms 53:1-3
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
This passage emphasizes the widespread rebellion against God and the universal tendency of humanity to reject His existence and live according to their own corrupt desires.
Acknowledging our born iniquity cultivates a deep sense of gratitude for God’s mercy in drawing us to Himself. It compels us to seek after God, understanding that He is the source of truth, righteousness, and goodness. It motivates us to live as a witness, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ in our lives.
Genesis 6:5
“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.”
This verse describes the widespread moral corruption and depravity that characterized humanity in the time of Noah.
Understanding our born iniquity helps us recognize the seriousness of sin and its devastating effects on individuals and society. It prompts us to cultivate discernment and guard our hearts against the influence of evil. It motivates us to live lives that reflect God’s righteousness and stand as a contrast to the prevailing moral decay.
Galatians 5:17
“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
This verse highlights the ongoing battle between the desires of our sinful nature and the promptings of the Holy Spirit within believers.
Acknowledging our born iniquity reminds us of the need for constant surrender to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowerment. It teaches us to discern between the desires of our flesh and the promptings of the Spirit. It leads us to walk in alignment with God’s will, resisting the temptations of the flesh and seeking to live a life that honors Him.
James 1:14-15
“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
This passage explains the process of temptation and how it leads to sin and ultimately results in spiritual death.
Recognizing our born iniquity reminds us of the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against the allure of sin. It prompts us to resist temptation and seek refuge in God’s strength. It teaches us to rely on God’s grace and forgiveness when we do stumble and to pursue holiness, knowing the devastating consequences of sin.
Ecclesiastes 7:20
“Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.”
This verse highlights the universal reality that no one is inherently righteous or sinless before God.
Understanding our born iniquity cultivates humility, recognizing that we are all in need of God’s forgiveness and grace. It fosters compassion and empathy toward others, as we come alongside them in their struggles and shortcomings. It leads us to rely on the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to us through faith, rather than relying on our own flawed attempts at righteousness.
1 John 1:8
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and honesty about our own sinful nature. It cautions against the deception that comes from denying or downplaying our need for forgiveness.
Acknowledging our born iniquity leads us to seek constant repentance and reliance on God’s mercy. It allows us to grow in transparency and vulnerability with God and fellow believers, fostering an environment of authenticity and grace. It enables us to experience the transformative power of confession and restoration in our relationship with God.
Job 14:4
“Who can bring what is pure from the impure? No one!”
This verse highlights the inherent impurity of humanity and the impossibility of producing righteousness from our own flawed nature.
Recognizing our born iniquity deepens our reliance on God’s grace, recognizing that our salvation and righteousness are solely dependent on Him. It provides a sobering reminder that apart from God’s intervention, there is no hope for salvation or spiritual transformation. It compels us to surrender our lives to Christ, acknowledging our need for His redemptive work in us.
Romans 3:10-12
“As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
This passage emphasizes the universal depravity of humanity and the complete absence of righteousness apart from God’s intervention.
Understanding our born iniquity humbles us, realizing that we are incapable of saving ourselves or earning God’s favor. It underscores the need for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, who alone can reconcile us to God. It fosters a posture of dependence on God’s grace and a desire to align our lives with His righteousness.
Proverbs 22:15
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.”
This verse acknowledges the inherent foolishness and inclination towards wrongdoing present in children.
Recognizing our born iniquity underscores the importance of discipline, guidance, and instruction in shaping character and directing individuals towards righteousness. It emphasizes the role of parents and caregivers in instilling moral values and fostering a godly upbringing. It also reminds us of our ongoing need for God’s correction and guidance in our lives, even as adults.
Psalm 143:2
“Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.”
This verse encapsulates the reality that no one can stand before God in their own righteousness or merit.
Understanding our born iniquity helps us embrace the truth that our salvation is solely rooted in God’s grace and mercy. It reinforces the message that we are justified by faith, solely through the work of Jesus Christ. It underscores the importance of maintaining a posture of humility and gratitude, recognizing that apart from God’s intervention, we are deserving of judgment.
James 3:2
“We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”
This verse acknowledges the universal tendency of humans to stumble and fall short, particularly in the area of controlling the tongue.
Acknowledging our born iniquity prompts us to strive for self-control and wisdom in our speech. It teaches us to recognize the power of our words and the importance of aligning them with God’s truth and love. It fosters accountability and empathy, as we extend grace and forgiveness to others when they stumble in their words or actions.
Psalm 130:3
“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?”
This verse highlights the impossibility of standing before God on the basis of our own righteousness.
Understanding our born iniquity deepens our gratitude for God’s forgiveness and the removal of our sins through Jesus’ sacrifice. It leads us to a place of repentance, seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness for our transgressions. It cultivates a heart of worship, recognizing the extent of God’s love and grace in our lives.
1 John 2:1-2
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
This passage assures believers of the provision of Jesus Christ as our advocate and the sacrificial atonement for our sins.
Recognizing our born iniquity emphasizes the need for continuous reliance on Jesus as our advocate. It fuels our hope, knowing that our sins are forgiven and that we have an intercessor before God. It compels us to live in a manner that reflects gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and to share the good news of redemption with others.