The Simple Gospel

Tests are a part of life that everyone understands, from school exams to job evaluations. In life, whether it’s manufacturing plants or military equipment, everything goes through a rigorous testing process before it is approved. The same is true for our faith. Just as physical items are tested for strength and durability, God requires that our faith be tested as well. The Bible shows that God’s way of testing us refines and strengthens our character, faith, and commitment to His commands. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we prepared to face the tests that God places before us

God’s Love: The Ultimate Test
God Himself set the supreme example of testing through His love for us. In John 3:16 (NASB), it says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” God tested His love by offering the most precious gift—His Son, Jesus Christ—as a sacrifice for our sins. When we think about this, we realize the depth of God’s love and the extent to which He was willing to go to save humanity. This was the ultimate test of love, and it sets the bar for how we are called to live sacrificially for others.

Jesus: Tested in Temptation
Jesus faced His supreme test in the wilderness, where He was tempted by Satan. Matthew 4:1-11 (NASB) recounts how Jesus was tested by Satan with worldly power, material needs, and fame. But each time, Jesus resisted temptation by relying on God’s Word, saying in verse 10, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Jesus passed this test perfectly, showing us that even in the face of great temptation, God’s truth is our weapon. Jesus’ faithfulness in this test proved His readiness for His ultimate mission: the cross.

The Test of Sacrifice: Abraham’s Obedience
In the Old Testament, we find an extraordinary example of testing in the life of Abraham. Genesis 22:1-12 (NASB) tells the story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, a test that God gave to measure Abraham’s faith and obedience. Abraham didn’t hesitate to follow God’s command, even when it seemed impossible to understand. In verse 12, God says, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Abraham passed the test by showing his complete trust in God, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

The Test of Obedience: The Israelites at Jericho
Another great test of faith can be seen in the story of the Israelites as they marched around the walls of Jericho. Joshua 6 (NASB) recounts how God commanded Joshua and the Israelites to march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, the walls would fall. Though the command might have seemed strange, the Israelites obeyed God’s instructions exactly. When they completed the task, God honored their obedience and the walls of Jericho collapsed. This test showed that true faith involves following God’s commands, even when we don’t fully understand His ways.

Gideon’s Test of Faith
Gideon, one of Israel’s judges, faced a supreme test when God commanded him to reduce his army from 32,000 men to just 300 before going into battle against the Midianites. Judges 7:1-8 (NASB) tells the story of how God tested Gideon’s trust in Him, showing that victory comes from God alone, not from the size of an army. In verse 7, God declares, “I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and will give the Midianites into your hands.” Gideon’s faith was tested through these instructions, but he obeyed, and God brought victory to Israel.

The Test of Baptism: An Essential Command
One of the supreme tests in the Christian walk is the act of baptism. Acts 2:38 (NASB) makes it clear that baptism is essential for the forgiveness of sins: “Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Baptism is not merely a symbolic gesture but an act of obedience that tests our faith and submission to God’s will. In Mark 16:16 (NASB), Jesus says, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” Despite its significance, baptism is often rejected or seen as unnecessary, yet it is a clear command from Christ that serves as a test of our willingness to follow Him.

The Test of Generosity: Giving as a Measure of Faith
Another supreme test for Christians is in the area of giving. Jesus Himself tested a rich young man in Matthew 19:16-22 (NASB) when the young man asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answered, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Unfortunately, the young man failed the test because he was unwilling to part with his wealth. This teaches us that generosity and a willingness to sacrifice for God’s kingdom are vital tests of our faith. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NASB) reminds us, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” God calls us to give freely and with joy, knowing that He loves those who do.

Will We Pass the Test?
The Bible is full of stories where people’s faith was tested, and it’s clear that God tests us to refine and strengthen our character. James 1:2-4 (NASB) reminds us, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” The trials and tests we face are not meant to destroy us but to build us up in our faith.

As we reflect on these examples, we must ask ourselves: Are we passing the tests that God is placing before us? Whether it’s a test of obedience, sacrifice, or generosity, God is looking for a heart that is fully devoted to Him.

Conclusion: The Final Test
There will come a day when we will all stand before God and our lives will be tested. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NASB) says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” Let us live in such a way that when we stand before God, we will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23 NASB).

As we face the supreme tests of life, let us trust God, obey His commands, and live by faith so that we may pass the ultimate test and receive the crown of life.