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and `temptation' occur in the New Testament, the meaning is just this
`probing to discover whether goodness is present', and only in a few passages
can the popular idea of `tempting to commit sin by solicitations and an
appeal to evil desires within' be discovered.
We return therefore to the original verse that caused this examination,
and rejoice to know that in all the `probing' and `testing' that must be
undergone on the way to glory, we have both the sympathy and the succour of
Him Who was tempted in all points like His brethren, `sin excepted'. Where
temptation issues in sin, not sympathy succour and infirmity, but forgiveness
and restoration are needed and forthcoming, but in such experiences the Son
of God can have no part. He needed not forgiveness, He was never deflected,
He needed not to be restored.
In conclusion we would draw the reader's attention to the equivalent
word used in the Old Testament. First, those in the A.V.
(1)
Nasah
..
To try, prove; example Genesis 22:1.
(2)
Massah
..
A trying; example Psalm 95:8.
(3)
Bachan
..
To try, test; example Malachi 3:15.
In addition to these, peira (Gk.) and derivatives translate various
Hebrew words, which are not translated `tempt' or `temptation' in the A.V.
These we give to make the evidence complete.
(4)
Inyan
.
.
Travail, business. Ecclesiastes 5:3.
(5)
Gedud
.
.
A troop. Genesis 49:19.
(6)
Tsabah
.
.
Host, `appointed time'. Job 7:1.
(7)
Lahah
.
.
A mad man. Proverbs 26:18.
Tromm lists a few various readings, none of which make any difference
to the results already obtained. They are too complicated to set out here,
and indeed the reader who is so far advanced as to be able to follow any such
attempt would already be independent of our help; these articles not being
written for such.
May we count it all joy that we are counted worthy of being tested, and
flee all solicitations of the `old man' within us. Realizing that the one
form of temptation but `probes to discover the good' that has been implanted
by the new nature, we can recognize that the other but seeks to accomplish
our downfall by stimulating the desires of the old nature. In the former the
Saviour has shared; From the latter the Saviour was separated, but For them
He suffered on the tree.
TESTED TRUTH
In the following pages, A and B discuss various subjects, the
standpoint of B representing that of the Alphabetical Analysis.
`I am satisfied with the words of Christ'
Two Christians were standing, with open Bibles, discussing some theme
(apparently of great interest), and as the subject of their discussion may
possibly be of general interest, let us draw a little nearer so that we may
get the benefit of their remarks. We will call them for the sake of
clearness A and B.