Does God Tempt Us?

Does God Tempt Us?

In James, it states, "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man" (James 1:13 KJV). 

However, Genesis says, "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am" (Genesis 22:1 KJV).

Now, this seems to be a clear-cut and dry case that the Bible contradicts, however, let us take a closer look before jumping to such conclusions. Firstly, let us look at the original language for insight. The Greek word in James used for tempt was, "πειράζω." This word means to entice, examine, or discipline. The Hebrew word used for tempt in Genesis was, "נסה." This word means something slightly different, to test, try, or evaluate. Now, let us look at the context of each verse. 

In Genesis 22, what is going on? Well, to summarize, this is the story of Abraham walking up the mountain where he was meant to sacrifice his son, however, he obviously does not do so, instead, he used a "אַ֔יִל," a ram provided from God. This foreshadows Jesus, the lamb(John 1:29) whom died for us as the ram did. God was evaluating Abraham's faith. How about James? 

In James, instead of explaining it, let us just read it for it makes more sense that way. "12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death" (James 1:12-15 KJV). 

The point James is getting at is God does not tempt you to sin, but to allow you to grow in your faith. If you are tempted to sin, it is not of God but of flesh and demons. In the example of Genesis 22, does God cause Abraham to sin? Nope. God tests our faith, but he does not make us sin. As James says, "2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing," (James 1:2-4 KJV). Also, as Paul says, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV).