Testing (Trial and Temptation)

Definition and Meaning

In the Bible and in church language, siheom ("testing") is used in two senses. One is a trial that refines and reveals faith; the other is a temptation that leads a person into sin. The New Testament Greek word peirasmos carries both meanings, and the Korean Revised Version usually renders it as siheom. For this reason, the intended sense of the word must be determined from its context.

Biblical Background

The Old Testament contains accounts in which God tests human beings. In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham by commanding him to offer up Isaac (the burnt offering on Mount Moriah). The sufferings of Job are also commonly read as testing in the sense of trial. Conversely, human beings are forbidden to test God (Deuteronomy 6:16).

In the New Testament, before beginning his public ministry, Jesus Christ undergoes the temptation in the wilderness by Satan and resists it with the words of Scripture (Matthew 4:1–11). Hebrews 2:18 states that because Jesus himself was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. James 1:2–4 urges believers to regard trials as an opportunity for developing patience, while James 1:12–14 draws a distinction: God tempts no one with evil, but each person is tempted when drawn away by his own lust. The petition in the Lord's Prayer, "And lead us not into temptation," also contains this word.

Usage in Korean Churches

In Korean churches, expressions such as siheom deulda ("to fall into testing") and siheom-e ppajida ("to sink into testing") are in everyday use. They describe the condition of a person who, hurt by conflict among church members, disappointment with a pastor or church officer, or difficulties at home, drifts away from worship and service. Churches regard visiting such members through pastoral visitation, praying with them, and caring for them as an important part of pastoral ministry. The expression is used widely across denominations.

Theological traditions differ in their emphasis when interpreting testing.

• Presbyterian churches of the Reformed tradition regard trials as permitted within God's providence and emphasize God's sovereignty and protection.
• Methodist and Holiness churches following Wesleyan theology connect overcoming temptation with sanctification, that is, the process of growing into a holy life.
• Churches in the Pentecostal tradition interpret testing in terms of spiritual warfare against Satan and emphasize overcoming it through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit.

These three perspectives are not mutually exclusive, and they are often mentioned together within a single church.