Throne of Iniquity

There are things in our lives that may appear to exercise influence and keep us in bondage. Whether knowingly or unknowingly, we may have opened doors that affect us spiritually, emotionally, or physically. Until these issues are properly dealt with, we may struggle to enjoy the fullness of life that Christ intends for us.

Before examining the throne of iniquity and how it operates, it is important to understand the biblical distinctions between sin, transgression, and iniquity.

SIN

What is Sin?

James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Sin is commonly understood as missing the mark. It is a failure to achieve God's intended standard and purpose for our lives. Humanity often deviates from God's path of righteousness and holiness, falling short of His glory and expectations.

Sin is more than breaking a rule; it damages our relationship with God. Our actions reveal the condition of our hearts toward Him.

1 Kings 8:46 For there is no one who does not sin.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Sin also means failing to measure up to God's standard of life and character.

Ephesians 4:13 speaks of growing into: the full measure of the stature of Christ.

Our true standard is not comparison with others but conformity to Christ.

A practical illustration is that of a dartboard. If the dart misses the bull's-eye, it misses the intended target. Likewise, when we fail to live according to God's standard, we miss the mark.

Even attitudes such as anxiety, fear, bitterness, or a lack of peace can reveal areas where we are not walking in the fullness of God's provision and character.

1 John 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

TRANSGRESSION

What is Transgression?

1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.

Transgression is the deliberate violation of a known command, law, statute, or instruction of God. It involves knowingly stepping beyond the boundaries God has established.

Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden is an example of transgression. He knowingly violated God's command.

Transgression can occur in:

Thought 1 John 3:15 Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer.

Word Matthew 5:22 Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

Deed Romans 1:32 Although they know God's righteous decree... they continue to do these things and approve of those who practice them.

Transgression is therefore a conscious act of disobedience expressed through thought, speech, or action.

INIQUITY

What is Iniquity?

Iniquity refers to a deeper condition than a sinful act. It speaks of a bent, tendency, weakness, or pattern toward sin that becomes entrenched in a person's life.

It may involve:

Deep-rooted patterns of sin.

Persistent moral corruption.

Generational influences and inherited consequences.

The long-term effects of ancestral wrongdoing.

The Bible teaches that actions often carry consequences beyond the individual and can affect subsequent generations.

Exodus 20:5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.

Numbers 14:18 The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.

These passages emphasize that the effects of wrongdoing can extend through generations.

Jeremiah 31:29 In those days people will no longer say, ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’.

introduces a transition in understanding personal responsibility while still acknowledging the reality of generational consequences.

Iniquity reminds us of the interconnectedness of families and the lasting effects of choices made by previous generations.

Examples of Iniquity

Psalm 51:5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

records Adam's fall, often referred to as the entrance of Adamic sin into humanity.

Illustration

Consider a woman named Jane who is admitted to hospital for an appendix operation. Another patient, Mary, is admitted for a leg amputation due to gangrene.

Through a tragic mix-up, Jane receives Mary's operation and loses her leg.

Even after the mistake is discovered and apologies are given, the consequences remain. The apology does not restore the lost limb.

Similarly, some issues affecting our lives today may have roots in actions committed long before we were born. Whether we approved of them or not, their consequences can continue to influence individuals and families.

Isaiah 53:6 The Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.

Ultimately, Christ bore humanity's iniquity upon Himself.

THE THRONE OF INIQUITY

What is a Throne?

A throne is the seat of authority, government, rule, and judgment. Throughout history it has symbolized power, dominion, leadership, and sovereignty.

Those who occupy thrones include:

Kings Governors Judges Priests Religious leaders The throne symbolizes the authority exercised by these individuals.

Scriptural References

Psalm 9:7 He has prepared His throne for judgment.

Psalm 45:6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.

Proverbs 16:12 A throne is established by righteousness.

The Throne of Iniquity

The primary passage is:

Psalm 94:20-23 Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law, have fellowship with You?

The throne of iniquity represents a corrupt authority that uses its power to promote injustice and wickedness.

It symbolizes systems, rulers, powers, or authorities that:

Devise evil through established laws or decrees.

Misuse authority.

Oppress the righteous.

Condemn innocent people.

Manipulate justice for selfish purposes.

The psalm portrays a ruling authority that operates contrary to God's righteous standard.

Characteristics of the Throne of Iniquity

1. It Devises Evil by Law

The throne of iniquity creates or manipulates systems to accomplish evil purposes.

It frames injustice through decrees, policies, customs, or legal structures that oppose righteousness.

2. It Gathers Against the Righteous

Psalm 94:21 They gather together against the life of the righteous.

Those operating under this spirit unite against those who seek to follow God's ways.

There is a clear conflict between righteousness and wickedness.

3. It Condemns Innocent Blood

James 5:6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one.

The throne of iniquity abuses authority to harm those who have committed no wrong.

4. It Has No Fellowship with God

God cannot endorse or partner with injustice.

A throne founded upon wickedness stands opposed to His nature because His kingdom is established upon righteousness and justice.

Understanding the Principle

The word throne signifies authority, while iniquity refers to lawlessness, corruption, or deeply rooted sin.

A throne of iniquity therefore represents authority operating on a foundation of unrighteousness.

Psalm 94 asks whether such a throne can have fellowship with God. The answer is clearly no.

God's throne is founded upon righteousness; therefore, any authority established upon evil stands in opposition to Him.

Whereas God's government promotes justice, mercy, truth, and righteousness, the throne of iniquity seeks to establish oppression, deception, and destruction.

Transposing Psalm 94:20

To better understand the meaning of Psalm 94:20, we can expand some of its key words:

Shall the throne (highest power) of iniquity (lawlessness or that which runs through the blood), which devises (invents a method of doing something) evil (morally bad and causing great harm) by law (specific commandments), have fellowship (a bond of common purpose and devotion that binds one to another) with You?”

This expanded reading helps us see the seriousness of the question being asked.

It describes a ruling authority founded upon lawlessness that creates methods of promoting evil through established laws, customs, or decrees, while seeking influence and agreement over people's lives.

For a king to occupy and exercise authority from a throne, he must possess approval, authority, or legal rights from those under his rule. In the same way, a throne of iniquity can only exercise influence where legal rights have been granted.

These legal rights may come:

Through our ancestors and forefathers.

Through the actions, decisions, and sins of our parents.

Through our own choices and disobedience.

Through unresolved offences and agreements formed when people unite against others.

As a result, legal rights may be given to the throne of iniquity to exercise influence over individuals, families, or generations.

In many cases, this occurs by default because we were not physically present when our forefathers committed the sins, entered ungodly covenants, or shed innocent blood that opened the door for such influences. Yet the consequences of those actions may continue to affect subsequent generations.

This principle is illustrated in Hebrews 7:9-10, where Levi is regarded as having participated in Abraham's actions because he was still in the loins of his ancestor.

This demonstrates the biblical concept of identification with previous generations and explains why ancestral actions can have continuing consequences until they are addressed through repentance, redemption, and the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Legal Rights and Spiritual Influence

Scripture shows that actions can have consequences reaching beyond an individual.

Hebrews 7:9-10 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.

Levi is described as having paid tithes through Abraham because he was still in Abraham's loins when Abraham met Melchizedek.

This passage illustrates the biblical principle of identification with previous generations.

For this reason, some believers understand that ancestral actions, covenants, sins, or acts of bloodshed may create lingering consequences that require repentance, prayer, and renunciation.

Whether through personal sin, family history, or collective wrongdoing, believers are called to seek God's mercy and freedom through Christ.

God's Position

God never establishes laws that protect evil.

His throne is a throne of righteousness.

Those who practice wickedness:

Cannot find refuge under God's laws.

Cannot claim Divine approval.

Cannot appeal to God's authority as justification for wrongdoing.

A throne has fellowship with God only when it upholds justice and fulfills its intended purpose under Divine authority.

Once a throne becomes a throne of iniquity, it stands contrary to God's character.

Establishing God's Throne

As believers, we are called to reject the influence of the throne of iniquity and submit ourselves to the throne of God.

This means replacing darkness with light, injustice with righteousness, and rebellion with obedience.

Psalm 58:2 In your hearts you devise injustice.

Isaiah 10:1 Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees.

God's justice ultimately prevails, and the wicked will face the consequences of their actions.

As the righteous in Christ, our safety is found in God, who is our Refuge, Defender, and Deliverer.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I come before You and ask that You break every stronghold of wickedness operating against my life. Expose every hidden agenda, uncover every secret plot, and nullify every evil decree that stands against Your purpose for me. I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against me in judgment shall be condemned. Establish Your throne of righteousness in every area of my life. Let Your light overcome every work of darkness, and let Your will be accomplished in me. Thank You for Your protection, mercy, and unfailing love.

In Jesus' name, Amen.