Expert: John Kelly - 4/14/2004

Question
Why is it a sin to tempt God? Why does God get offended by it?

Thank you.

May God bless you for your loving service!  

Answer
Hello Jean,

In the biblical sense, to "tempt" meant to put someone to the test to see what they are made of. In this case, to tempt God meant that you were challenging God to prove that He really is God! This is what the Israelites did on more than one occassion. They defied God and His commandments, in a sense daring Him to come after them. I know it sounds crazy to deliberately challenge God like that, but people really did this, and they still do.

When we get to Heaven, we will probably be surprised how many disasters befell us because we tempted God. I can give you a classic example of one case where I think this happened. When the TITANIC was commissioned, the designers and crew touted her by saying, "God Himself could not sink this ship!" Well, we all know what happened!

Why does God get offended when we tempt Him? Think of all the good things He has given us, and all the promises He has made us. He even sent His Son Jesus to die for us. When we tempt God, when we challenge Him, its like looking at all the things God has done for us, and then calling Him a liar! That is why He gets offended. If it were not for His loving mercy, we would all be killed by His wrath. For more examples, read the Book of Jeremiah. You will see how often God has tried to love his people, and how often we turn away from Him, in effect, daring Him to come after us in wrath. Thank you Lord, that you are slow to anger!

I hope that this info has been of service to you.

May God bless you indeed!

John