The Measure of Iniquity

So as always to fill up the measure of their sins.

1 Thessalonians 2:16

Why doesn’t God just rain down immediate judgment on evildoers, particularly those filled with every evil intention and terror against innocent men, women, and children? Many of these terrorists get away with their crimes before action is taken that would strip their power and influence. However, for every person who rejects the truth of God, there is a measure of iniquity that will be filled, and God will enact His mighty hand of justice.

When God shared the plight of the Israelites with Abraham, He gave insight into how the Amorites would be driven out and defeated when their iniquity was complete (Genesis 15:16). When Paul encountered vicious attacks from the Jewish teachers who were interfering with the teaching of the Gospel, he made mention that they were filling the measure of their sins (1 Thessalonians 2:16).

Only God knows the measure of iniquity in each one of us. For those who’ve accepted Christ, we have been given grace, God’s unmerited favor, which draws us to Him. If we accept God’s grace and still continue to sin, even our measure of iniquity will eventually bring us down.

The body of Christ can’t survive on just barely making it in and using God’s grace as an excuse to continue in sinful behavior. Just as loving earthly parents discipline their children, our heavenly Father will discipline His children. We don’t have a “get-out-of-jail-free” card when it comes to our sins. Believers are expected to seek out God’s forgiveness and turn away from sin because we have the power of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome it.

In contrast to the measure of iniquity is the greatness of God’s rewards stored up for those who choose Him over living for themselves. We can grow in these gifts from God as we live in surrendered obedience to His word.