LESSON 2 - THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY

In Lesson 1 of Introduction to Salvation, we learned that a mystery is something hidden, only revealed when God chooses to uncover it. We focused on the Mystery of Christ. In this lesson, however, we will explore the Mystery of Iniquity, delving into how it creates a spiritual battle. We will examine its meaning, how it manifests both in the Bible and today, and how it often appears disguised.

This lesson also highlights the deceitful nature of unrighteousness, showing how casual attitudes toward sin may seem harmless while actually tightening a stronghold over humanity. It emphasizes the purpose of the Law of Righteousness, demonstrating how the Ten Commandments reveal God's standards, expose sin, and underscore our need for salvation. Finally, the lesson provides opportunities for reflection on personal beliefs and attitudes toward sin, encouraging alignment with Biblical truth.

OBJECTIVES

During this lesson you should be able to:

1. Examine the concept “The Mystery of Iniquity.”:

Students should be able to tell the meaning of the term "Mystery of Iniquity" and identify how it operates to create a spiritual battle.

1. Discuss ways in which iniquity manifests in Biblical and modern day contexts:

Students should be able to use scripture to articulate the different ways in which iniquity is disguised with emphasis on the antichrist and the life of unbelievers.

1. Use Biblical examples to illustrate the deceitful nature of unrighteousness:

Students should be able to identify instances of casual responses to unrighteousness, and how harmless it may appear despite its powerful hold on mankind.

1. Give reasons for appreciating the purpose of the Law of Righteousness:

Students should express positive sentiments towards the 10 commandments in (a) revealing God’s standards of righteousness (b) showing the nature of sin (c) pointing to humanity’s need for salvation.

1. Demonstrate a willingness to change perspectives/beliefs that are contrary to the truth about human captivity:

Students should be able to self-assess responses to situations and be open to admit any need for change, pinpointing what they are.

PREPARATION ACTIVITY - Self-Check

Activity 2.1

Activity 2.1a Which images would you use as symbols of innocence as opposed to

deception? Why?

Activity 2.1b Which could be used to illustrate hidden deception? Explain.

Images Chosen

Reasons for Choice

Symbols of Innocence

Symbols of Hidden Deception

DEFINING INIQUITY

To understand the Mystery of Iniquity, we must begin with the definition of "iniquity." According to Strong's Concordance, iniquity refers to being corrupt, perverse, or morally evil. It also signifies the violation of God's law, typically involving rebellion against His commands. This defiance reflects a state of unrighteousness and disregard for divine order.

Iniquity, as used in the Bible, goes beyond individual sinful acts. It describes a deep-rooted nature of rebellion and moral corruption caused by a desire to pursue personal agendas that are contrary to God’s will. Satan’s spirit is considered the spirit of iniquity, because he is the creator of it.

THE CONCEPT OF THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY

2 Thessalonians 2:7

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

The Mystery of Iniquity is a concept that explains the dark state of the world today. However, the significance of this concept can only be revealed by the Holy Spirit. Let us consider how the spirit of iniquity passes to others.

Psalm 51:5

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

The scripture above describes the experience of a fetus as it is formed in the womb. Even at conception, sin is present. As the fetus develops (shapens), the spirit of iniquity completely engulfs the child, infiltrating its body. As a result, the newborn baby is born with the spirit of iniquity within. The spirit of iniquity then determines which of its lusts will manifest in the child, using the law of sin and death in the body to ensure those desires are fulfilled.

Ephesians 2:1-3

1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

The prince, or principality, of the power of the air is the devil. He is the spirit that works in the children of Adam. By unleashing the law of sin and death in the flesh, Satan brought all mankind into captivity. Verse 3 conveys the fact that all humanity was bound by the desires, thoughts, and urges that Satan would create in the body and mind, leading them into sin. As a result, scripture declares concerning fallen man:

Romans 3:10

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

And again:

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Activity 2.2

a) Use The Bible Teacher App to find the meaning of the terms (i) innocence, manifest, and deception.

Summary of Findings:

b) Review Activity 2.1 and explain why you would keep or change your response.

Reason for Keeping/Changing Response:

MANIFESTATIONS OF INIQUITY

2 Thessalonians 2:7-10

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

The mystery of iniquity is already at work. In 2 Thessalonians 2, we see two ways in which the mystery of iniquity manifests:

1. It manifests through the Antichrist, a person who will embody the devil just as Jesus embodies God. What is mysterious about this manifestation is that this individual will look and sound like a mere man, but will, in fact, be a manifestation of the devil himself.
2. It also manifests through unbelievers. Iniquity is already at work in those who do not have the Holy Spirit (them that perish). According to verse 10, the work of unrighteousness (spirit of iniquity) is to deceive those who perish, keeping them from repentance. It is this very deceit that keeps the presence of Satan a mystery.

Activity 2.3 - Reflect: Are you an unbeliever?

THE DECEIVABLENESS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS

As unrighteousness works in the flesh through the spirit of iniquity, it begins to deceive those who experience its influence. Remember, the presence of iniquity compels the unbeliever to sin. Satan produces cravings and urges that cannot be renounced until they are submitted to. However, the experiences do not necessarily feel like the devil is causing them to do anything—it feels like their own desires.

This is a work of deception. Satan is able to work evil while hiding his involvement, making it seem as though he had nothing to do with it. Since the unbelievers neither discern the presence of the spirit of iniquity within nor recognize what Satan is doing in them, they begin to claim his actions as their own. As a result, judgments that should be directed at the devil fall upon themselves.

They start to say things like:

• “I can never change.”
• “There is no hope for me.”
• “I have always been like this.”
• “I am too sinful to be saved.”

An individual who makes these statements has been deceived by the devil into believing that everything they do originates from themselves. While the soul may take pleasure in what the devil does in and through them, the devil is highly influential even in causing the soul to enjoy sin. Thus, Satan has held all the generations of Adam captive, all while concealing and disguising his presence. Even today his presence in mankind remains a mystery to some.

Activity 2.4 - Reflect: How do you normally respond to news reports of horrible crimes, and why?

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: When believers turn a blind eye to sin, they will also succumb to the deception of iniquity. This will cause them to seem as though they do not have the Holy Ghost.

THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

To unveil the mystery of iniquity, God introduced a law of righteousness to the Children of Israel - a people incapable of fully upholding it. The Ten Commandments outlined the standard of character humanity was created to live by, revealing God's righteousness. For the first time since the fall, mankind was made aware of what righteous character truly was. Although this should have been a positive revelation, it instead presented a significant challenge.

Romans 7:5

For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

The scripture above describes how the motions of sins, worked by the law, brought forth death. How is it possible that the sending of the laws of righteousness resulted in even more sin and death in the people it was sent to? The answer is simple: the law was given to individuals who were held captive by the devil. When they heard the righteousness of God, their hearts were inclined to obey, but the devil would not allow it.

Up until this point, the devil had kept his presence hidden, controlling the soul from the background and working in sinful harmony with it. Then, suddenly, the Word of God enters the life of the sinner. They hear of God's righteousness, which pricks their conscience and brings conviction. Moved by this conviction, they desire repentance and are strongly inclined to please God. The presence of truth brings about a separation of wills—the soul now desires to please God, but the devil wants them to continue in sin.

Romans 7:22-23

22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

This war in the flesh has exposed the presence of the enemy within. The "Law of the Mind" refers to the ability of the soul to control the deeds of the flesh according to its desires. The mind should have the power to instruct the flesh, yet another power working within usurps the authority of the will of the soul. In doing so, the enemy’s existence in the flesh becomes evident. If it were not for the Word of righteousness, the presence of the enemy would have remained hidden.

God allows unbelievers to become aware of the spirit of iniquity within, so that they may desire to be free. Ultimately, their cry becomes:

Romans 7:24

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

They realize they are in need of deliverance, something only God can achieve. Thankfully, God has provided a way for all to be saved through Jesus Christ.

Activity 2.5

a) Carefully examine Table 1 below, which presents an interpretation of Romans 7:7-24.

b) Identify at least one verse each or the interpretation that shows the following: (i) God’s standards of righteousness (ii) the nature of sin (iii) humanity’s need for salvation (iv) your gratitude for God’s redemptive plan.

Table 1. Interpretation of Reference Scripture - Romans 7:7-24

ROMANS 7:7-24

INTERPRETATION

7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

The law taught us what sin was, and therefore, it is a holy thing. However, sin (the spirit of iniquity) took advantage of the soul’s attempt to be righteous and instead, created greater urges and cravings for sin.

Before the law was given, no one knew what righteousness was, and thus, could not be judged by it. But when the law came, it removed all excuses. The law's judgment for those who break it is death. Since no one could fully obey the law, it brought forth death in all who tried to follow it.

13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

God did not send the law to bring about death, but rather to reveal the inner workings of sin. Because the commandments pointed to righteousness, the devil was compelled to intensify his efforts to ensure the soul remained in sin.

14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Since the law is righteous, the soul naturally desires to follow it. However, the righteousness of the law also exposes the soul's captivity. As a result, when the individual tries to do what is right, they realize they are unable to. Even worse, they find themselves doing the very things they know they shouldn't. This is due to the captivity of sin, which wars against their will and forces them into obedience to Satan.

24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

The law has caused me to realize that I am detestable. I am stuck with a body defiled with the spirit of iniquity. Is there anyone able to deliver me from this state? Thankfully, Jesus can.

CONCLUSION

In closing, It is important to consider God’s love for mankind in exposing the presence of the enemy within unbelievers. It is this same Word of righteousness that moves their hearts to seek salvation. May you be vigilant in seeking to receive or please Him and compassionate towards those held captive.

MAIN POINTS

Here are some key points to remember from this lesson:

The Definition of Iniquity:

The Concept of the Mystery of Iniquity: The mystery of iniquity refers to the hidden influence of Satan's power, working to keep humanity in bondage. Only God, through salvation, can break this spiritual stronghold caused by the devil's workings.

Manifestations of Iniquity: Iniquity reveals itself subtly, manifesting in unrighteous thoughts, emotions, and actions. Scripture shows how iniquity is often disguised, making even the actions of the Antichrist and unbelievers appear normal.

The Deceptiveness of Unrighteousness: Ignoring or minimizing unrighteousness is a sign of its deceitful nature. Downplaying the seriousness of sin is dangerous, because it opens the heart to even more iniquity and blinds you to your true spiritual condition.

The Purpose of the Law of Righteousness: The Ten Commandments and God’s instructions reveal His standard of holiness, the nature of sin, and our need for salvation through Christ. Believers will recognize God's plan of deliverance and embrace His message of salvation.