Christian Message Boards: Test of Faith

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Posted by Redsickle7 (Member # 13441) on :

If God is all knowing, then how does a test of faith work? Won't God know if you will pass the test or not?

Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :

A test of faith is for our benefit.
Betty

Posted by Redsickle7 (Member # 13441) on :

So God knows if you will benefit or not?

Posted by KnowHim (Member # 1) on :

When we ask why God tests us or allows us to be tested, we are admitting that testing does indeed come from Him. When God tests His children, He does a valuable thing. David sought God’s testing, asking Him to examine his heart and mind and see that they were true to Him (Psalm 26:2; 139:23). When Abram was tested by God in the matter of sacrificing Isaac, Abram obeyed (Hebrews 11:17–19) and showed to all the world that he is the father of faith (Romans 4:16).

In both the Old and New Testaments, the words translated “test” mean “to prove by trial.” Therefore, when God tests His children, His purpose is to prove that our faith is real. Not that God needs to prove it to Himself since He knows all things, but He is proving to us that our faith is real, that we are truly His children, and that no trial will overcome our faith.

In His Parable of the Sower, Jesus identifies the ones who fall away as those who receive the seed of God’s Word with joy, but, as soon as a time of testing comes along, they fall away. James says that the testing of our faith develops perseverance, which leads to maturity in our walk with God (James 1:3–4). James goes on to say that testing is a blessing, because, when the testing is over and we have “stood the test,” we will “receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). Testing comes from our heavenly Father who works all things together for good for those who love Him and who are called to be the children of God (Romans 8:28).

The testing or trials we undergo come in various ways. Becoming a Christian will often require us to move out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. Perseverance in testing results in spiritual maturity and completeness. This is why James wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). The testing of faith can come in small ways and daily irritations; they may also be severe afflictions (Isaiah 48:10) and attacks from Satan (Job 2:7). Whatever the source of the testing, it is to our benefit to undergo the trials that God allows.

The account of Job is a perfect example of God’s allowing one of His saints to be tested by the devil. Job bore all his trials patiently and “did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing” (Job 1:22). However, the account of Job’s testing is proof that Satan’s ability to try us is limited by God’s sovereign control. No demon can test or afflict us with beyond what God has ordained. All our trials work toward God’s perfect purpose and our benefit.

There are many examples of the positive results of being tested. The psalmist likens our testing to being refined like silver (Psalm 66:10). Peter speaks of our faith as “of greater worth than gold,” and that’s why we “suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6–7). In testing our faith, God causes us to grow into strong disciples who truly live by faith and not by what we see (2 Corinthians 5:7).

When we experience the storms of life, we should be like the tree that digs its roots ever more deeply for a greater grip in the earth. We must “dig our roots” more deeply into God’s Word and cling to His promises so we can weather whatever storms come against us.

Most comforting of all, we know that God will never allow us to be tested beyond what we are able to handle by His power. His grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). “That is why,” Paul said, “for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

http://www.gotquestions.org/why-does-God-test-us.html

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Posted by Redsickle7 (Member # 13441) on :

I can understand that a test of faith would be for our benefit. But does that mean that God tested someone knowing they would fail? If God is all powerful and all knowing, then either God tested someone knowing they would pass, or tested someone knowing they would fail. If God gives someone a test knowing that person will fail, that would be detrimental to their well being. God would know what would benefit someone or not. So does that mean that all the horrible and terrible suffering people are enduring means that God knows will benefit us eventually?

Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :

Failing a test is not the end. When we fail a test in School, we are reminded that we should study. When we fail a test spiritually, it can be a reminder that we have neglected our spiritual health. Are we studying God's Word? Have we neglected to pray? Do we need to be under a Biblical teacher who feeds the flock? Sometimes God is telling us our faith is weak. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God.
Betty

Posted by Redsickle7 (Member # 13441) on :

A person who suffers their entire life, is that a test? If God is all knowing then how can their even be a pass or fail? The outcome is exactly what God knew would happen. A person's life that keeps getting worse is the result of God's actions. God put that person In a situation knowing the outcome and the path thereafter. This is what I can't come to terms with. If God is all knowing and all powerful then everything is a result of God's actions, hence God is responsible for a persons continued and possibly never ending suffering.

Posted by Carol Swenson (Member # 6929) on :

What kind of suffering are you talking about? And is your hypothetical suffering person a believer?

We might be able to better understand the phrase "test of faith" if we say lessons of faith. The purpose of the "tests" is to teach believers to depend more and more on God, and less and less on our own understanding and strength.

The greatest test of faith is love. Our love for God and for others.

A test may or may not involve suffering, but suffering occurs for many other reasons as well. Our Lord suffered before He entered into His Glory, and it is generally understood that we are to bear our cross and follow Him. Also Satan brings suffering to believers. And suffering might be the result of our own foolishness. Suffering can be caused by many things, and while we always have faith in good times or bad, it would be untrue to say that God always is the cause of suffering.

Posted by Redsickle7 (Member # 13441) on :

What is the difference if the hypothetical person is a believer vs a non-believer?
Did God create Satan knowing the outcome?
Did God allow someone to be born into a life of misery?
Does being all- powerful mean God is responsible for eveything?

Posted by Carol Swenson (Member # 6929) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Redsickle7:
What is the difference if the hypothetical person is a believer vs a non-believer?
Did God create Satan knowing the outcome?
Did God allow someone to be born into a life of misery?
Does being all- powerful mean God is responsible for eveything?

God does not test the faith of non-believers who have no faith.

God did not create Satan. He created Lucifer, an angel who was beautiful, wise, and good. Lucifer became proud and thought he could be God, so he rebelled.

Did God know that Lucifer would become evil? That is the same as asking if God created evil, and the answer is no.

God created the angels with free will, and He creates each of us with free will. There are many difficult questions concerning people who are born handicapped, mentally or physically, but we don't know what is happening deep in their souls where God's grace may comfort them.

God is Love. God is Good. He does not create people to live a life of misery with no choice.

God gave people a choice in the beginning. To choose eternal life with Him, or to choose the knowledge of good and evil, and death. The people chose the knowledge of good and evil, so for all these thousands of years people have lived with their choice.

God honors the choice we make. But He still offers eternal life with Him through Jesus Christ. This age will come to an end, and in the new world there will be no suffering or death for those who choose to follow the Lord.

If the person suffering is a real person, yourself or someone you know, I wish you would tell us.

Posted by KnowHim (Member # 1) on :

Maybe this will help you Redsickle7

https://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/90-235/the-origin-of-evil?Term=Did%20God%20allow%20someone%20to%20be%20born%20into%20a%20life%20of%20misery

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