When we are tempted to sin, is God testing us? No
When we are, what the Bible calls ‘born again’ (by believing that we are righteous, holy and blameless in Christ, our perfect sacrificial Lamb, who carried all of our sins — past, present and future — and has forever reconciled us to God), we still, unfortunately, sin from time to time.
Some people will falsely claim that when they run into a temptation (whether it’s an ad for a porn website, a pack of cigarettes at the store, a situation where someone is being tempted to commit adultery, or any other sin) that this temptation comes from God to test them.
But the Bible is very clear that God does not tempt us:
“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” (James 1:13-14; NIV)
God does not tempt anyone. Instead, it is our own evil desire, our flesh, that is tempting us to go against God and His Word and sin.
God is holy, He does not accept sin
God is holy. No sinner can come into His presence. That’s why there will be no sinners in heaven. We, too, were sinners once. But once we were completely cleansed by the blood of Christ, we became saints. • You might also like this article: To God, you are a saint
So, when you are tempted to sin, instead of falsely blaming God for putting this temptation in your life, ask Him for help.
God doesn’t put temptations in your life. It is the devil — who hates you — who wants you to sin. He wants you to think that the alcohol, the drugs, the porn will make you happy. But it won’t. Instead of porn and adultery, God’s plan for you is a happy marriage (which includes sexual intimacy with your spouse). Instead of alcohol and drugs, God’s plan for you is a fulfilling life full of joy — true joy, not the temporary high from drugs and alcohol.
Your heavenly Father wants to help
God will gladly help you in times of temptation. Turn to Him. Even in the midst of your sin, you can turn to your loving heavenly Father and ask for help. He won’t turn you away.
In the midst of your temptation or sin, say (!) this: Jesus, thank You that You paid for all of my sins. There is no sin, no shame, no guilt, no condemnation left. You paid it all. Help me sin less and less. Thank You for making me righteous, holy and blameless and reconciling me to God (or, of course, in your own words).
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