Test and Temptation

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he shall have stood the test, he shall receive the crown of life ... Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation" (James 1:12; Matt. 26:41).

There is a big difference between "bearing or resisting the test" and "falling into temptation". Bearing the test leads to progress in faith. This is, in the end, an honor that God grants us.

Abraham had left everything to respond to the divine call, and he believed God when everything seemed adverse. Then God tested him and asked him to sacrifice Isaac, his only son (Gen. 22:1-2). Abraham knew that Isaac was God's promised son, and he faithfully obeyed, "knowing that God is able to raise up even from the dead, from whence, figuratively speaking, he also received him again" (Heb. 11:19).

To endure trial also means to emerge victorious, through faith, in a difficult situation. On the contrary, to enter into temptation is to allow ourselves to be overcome by evil and give in to what Satan asks; it is to allow ourselves to be dragged by our evil inclinations to do that which is opposed to God's will. Defeat is then inevitable!

The Lord commands us: "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matt. 26:41). By remaining in His presence and resisting the evil one, we will not fall into temptation or yield to evil. Every believer can obtain victory if he trusts in the promises and power of God.

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