God Testing People
From Eco-Bible 1
These are notes for an incomplete "Concept" page.
- Information is being added as the Bible Pages are added. In the end, everything will be compiled, further information added (as necessary), broken links connected, etc.
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The opposite of "God Testing People" is the sin of "Putting God to the Test."
God knows our moral character; people (including we ourselves) rarely do - at least accurately. When God "tests" people, it may be to demonstrate or prove what their moral character is like. Or it may be to strengthen, refine or build them up - to make them better.
- In some passages, God's testing may be likened to someone trying to discover what our moral character is like. Since God normally interacts with us, not only as Creator, but also as though we were on our level, this is not a problem - How God Interacts with Humans. (Indeed, in Jesus Christ, he does - and forever will - interact with us on our level.) Also, some passages may be written symbolically.
In contrast, when Satan tests someone, it is for the opposite purpose: to destroy them.
Scripture Pages that Link to Here
- About the terrifying sights at the mountain: Exo 20:20 Moses said to the people, "Don't be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won't sin."
- In the wilderness, God tested you, to prove what was in your hearts. This would show whether they would obey or not.
- When a false prophet comes, God is testing your loyalty.
- "Yahweh your God proves you, to know whether you love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul."
- God allowed Satan to test Job. Satan wanted to destroy Job - to prove that Job's godly character was flawed with evil motives; but God would use the test to make Job even more godly.
- v. 18 - I said in my heart, "As for the sons of men, God tests [i.e., makes it clear to] them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals (and must die).
Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.
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