WORK OF INIQUITY

1. Work Of Iniquity

a) Is it possible for someone who prophesies, casts out demons and does many wonderful works in the name of the Lord be discarded by the Lord?

Matthew 7:21-23 KJV
[21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 

[22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 

[23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

b) The answer to the question is obvious. The whole issue is the work of iniquity. 

c) What is iniquity?

a) Iniquity refers to a premeditated choice. It is deeply rooted. It is like someone who knows what is wrong and yet continues to sin without repentance. That person does it again and again with a seared conscience.

d) What does the Bible say?

i) Iniquity needs to be pardoned.

Exodus 34:9 TLB
And he said, "If it is true that I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, then please go with us to the Promised Land; yes, it is an unruly, stubborn people, but pardon our iniquity and our sins, and accept us as your own."

ii) If not, God can refuse to forgive iniquity.

Job 10:13 TLB
"'Yet all the time your real motive in making me was to destroy me if I sinned, and to refuse to forgive my iniquity.

iii) Leave all iniquities behind.

Job 11:13 TLB
"Before you turn to God and stretch out your hands to him, get rid of your sins and leave all iniquity behind you.

iv) Iniquity is atoned for by mercy and truth.

Proverbs 16:6 TLB
Iniquity is atoned for by mercy and truth; evil is avoided by reverence for God.

v) Being merciful and speaking the truth have got to do with one's characters.

vi) That's why Jesus can profess, "I never knew you: depart from me."