Though it is not always easy, I’ve begun to understand a little more about the difference between temptation to do evil and testing from God. James 1:13-14 speaks about temptation,
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.
As for testing we read in Genesis 22 that God tested Abraham by asking him to offer his only son Isaac as a sacrifice. In Exodus 15:25 the Lord tested the Israelites during the exodus and Psalm 66:8 speaks of God testing “us”.
In our English translations of the Bible the words “testing” and “temptation” are used interchangeably. In my mind the word temptations carries with it the idea of being enticed to sin, by committing and evil act or refraining from what is right. Testing has to do with God’s sovereign control. We know from the story of Job that the Adversary asked for permission to test Job (Only after the LORD suggested it). Also in Luke 22:31 Jesus informs Peter that the Adversary “has asked permission to sift you as wheat.” In both cases God allows for the temptation or test, but he does not apply it. The Adversary is forces to perform the act of temptation within the context of what God allows.
So what does this mean for us? It means that when we are tempted with evil or tested, we shouldn’t trying to figure out which one it is by asking, “I wonder if this is a test from God or temptation from Satan?” The answer to both of those questions is Yes! We must understand that at times God draws an unseen circle around us and within that circle the Accuser comes in to entice us. We are tempted to step outside of the circle of God’s unseen protection into the certainty of loss, turmoil, and destruction. However we must remember that God himself abides within us. He has not left us to ourselves. The Lord himself surrounds every test and every temptation waiting expectantly to see what decision we will make. He is truly transforming us into likeness of his Son.
If we are saved by GRACE, not by works; and if a test performance would be a ‘work’…a thing accomplished…then we could not be saved by a test.
Similarly, if our salvation is secure, and assured; and if a failed test performance would be a short-coming by which we could found wanting, we cannot be unsaved.
You might make a case for a diminished reward in the future, but even that seems like a logic problem because if forces one back in to the logical argument #1 above, works oriented relationship?
The final logic problem follows: If a test cannot be solved either rightly or wrongly, as in either case above, it is not a valid test. i.e. without risk of correct answer, activity or reaction; without the risk of failure, no test occured.
Testing is an Old Testament concept under God; erased by the new covenant. Under Christ, we are not tested.
But I’d like to hear your thoughts!
Larry, Your logic is impeccable. However I didn’t intend to suggest that tests were somehow tied to salvation. I agree salvation it is by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9) as it has always been (Even in OT times). I do see tests in the context of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (being transformed into the image of Christ). Hebrews tells us “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin” Heb 4:15 (NIV) and also “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered” Heb 5:8 (NIV). My point is this. When the trials come (I’m going through one now) it’s not our job to figure them out. It’s up to us to yield to him and by faith trust in his directing of our life. TD
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