The Doctrine of Testing

It is God’s will to test (Heb. נָסָה nasah & בָּחַן bachan, Grk. πειράζω peirazo & δοκιμάζω dokimazo) us with various trials—blessings or adversity—in order to advance us spiritually. Tests by themselves do not automatically produce growth; rather, it’s our faith response to them that brings spiritual advancement.  Biblical reasons for testing:

1. To see whether we will follow God’s commands (Gen. 22:1-12; cf. Ex. 16:1-5, 16-20, 26-28; Deut. 8:2; Judg. 2:18-22; 3:4; 2 Cor. 2:9).
2. To reveal what’s in our hearts and whether we love God or not (Deut. 13:1-4; cf. 2 Chron. 32:30-31; Rev. 3:10).
3. To produce a healthy fear of God (Ex. 20:18-20).
4. To produce humility for our good (Deut. 8:16-18).
5. To prove Jesus’ divinity (Matt. 4:1-11).
6. To educate the believer concerning God’s ability to provide (John 6:5-13).
7. To produce godly character (Jam. 1:2-4).
8. To prove the quality of our faith (1 Pet. 1:6-7).
9. That we may share in the sufferings of Christ (1 Pet. 4:12-13).
10. The humble believer welcomes God’s tests (Ps. 26:1-3; 139:23-24).