3

Why is there the shift of focus on God in the phrase, "for God cannot be tempted by evil," in James 1:13?

The phrase "God cannot be tempted by evil" seems to be peculiar. How can God be tempted to do evil? Is this passage about God being tempted, or about His tempting us? 
 

James 1:13

ESV - 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.

Clarify Share Report Asked December 09 2016 Mini venkatesan Iyer Supporter

For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.

Mini dale dorsett

First: As God, Creator of ALL, how could God be tempted by what He created. Remember He and all creation were perfect and in total harmony until Lucifer started lusting for more than God gave him and created rebellion - a product of the created not the Creator. All was of God and in harmony with God until Lucifer got puffed up and reached higher than he should. "I will be as the Most High God." "I will exalt MY throne above that of God's". Lucifer started rebellion and got the 1/3 of Heaven's hosts/angels that followed him into a rebellion against God. God did not raise a finger but the 2/3 angels loyal to their Creator had war in the heavenlies. Finally they were cast down to earth in defeat. Since Lucifer lusted to rule this world, and according to Isaih had a rule from the Garden of God at Eden as the King of Tyre ruling over the prince of Tyre.

Second: There was ONLY one temptation of God. God sent His Son to earth as Jesus to save Adam's race and free them to go to Heaven rather than fall with Lucifer/Satan. Jesus acted ONLY as man, defeated Satan as a perfect man/second Adam, resurrected Himself by His own words spoken before the crucifixion which He allowed. Jesus had full authority over the earth as the sinless second Adam because until God comes to rule and reign over the earth - Jesus return as God-man - Adam's race was promised dominion over the earth.

God letting Himself be tempted, only by defeating evil legally as a man could Satan be totally defeated here

February 16 2018 Report

Login or Sign Up to add your comment.