signifies in general, transgressions of the law. This word is by some
3. The third word, iniquities, according to the notation of the Greek,
signifies in general, transgressions of the law. This word is by some
appropriated to sins against God. The Greek word that is frequently
translated "iniquity," is a general word, which signifies a
transgression of the law, and so it is translated, 1 John 3:4. The word
iniquity is of as large an extent as the word unrighteousness, and
implies an unequal dealing, which is contrary to the rule or law of
God.
All this heap of words is to plainly teach us, that it is neither the
many kinds of sins, nor degrees of sin, nor aggravations of sin, nor
even the multitude of sins—which shall ever harm those souls who
are in covenant with God. God has mercy enough, and pardons
enough, for all his covenant-people's sins, whether original or actual,
whether against the law or against the gospel, whether against the
light of nature or the rule of grace, whether against mercies or
judgments, whether against great means of grace or small means of
grace. The covenant remedy against all sorts and degrees of sin—
infinitely transcends and surpasses all our infirmities and
enormities, our weaknesses and wickednesses, our follies and
unworthinesses, etc. What is our unrighteousness—compared to
Christ's righteousness; our debts—compared to Christ's pardons; our
unholiness—compared to Christ's holiness; our emptiness—
compared to Christ's fullness; our weakness—compared to Christ's
strength; our poverty—compared to Christ's riches; our wounds—
compared to that healing which is under the wings of the Sun of
Righteousness! 1 Cor. 1:30; Psalm 1:3, 9-10; Mal. 4:2.
Parallel to Hebrews 8:12, is that noble description that Moses gives
of God in that Book of Exodus: chapter 34, 6-7, "The Lord, the Lord
merciful and gracious; forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin."
Some, by these three words, do understand such sins as are
committed against our neighbor, against God, or against ourselves. A
merciful God, a gracious God will pardon all kinds of sinners, and all
kinds and degrees of sin, by whatever names or titles they may be
styled or distinguished.
Some by iniquity do understand sins of infirmity; and by
transgression they understand sins of malice; and by sin they
understand sins of ignorance. God is said to keep mercy, and to
forgive all sorts of sins, as if his mercy were kept on purpose for
pardoning all sorts of sinners and all sorts of sins. The Hebrew word
that is here translated iniquity, signifies that which is unright,
unequal, crooked or perverse; it notes the vitiosity or crookedness of
nature; it notes crooked offences, such as flow from malice, hatred,
and are committed on purpose.
Secondly, the Hebrew word which is here translated transgression,
signifies to deal unfaithfully; it notes such sins as are treacherously
committed against God, such sins as flow from pride and contempt
of God.
Thirdly, the Hebrew word Chataah, generally signifies sin, but is
more especially here taken for sins of ignorance and infirmity. Oh,
what astounding mercy, what rich grace is here: that God will not