What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Why does God allow suffering in Job?"
Answer
God allowed the suffering in Job in order to answer Satan's hateful accusations, who claimed that Job served God only because of His blessings and protection. Through this trial, Job was to receive the opportunity to vindicate his character and thereby also the nature of God, whose representative he was, before the whole universe. Ultimately, such trials serve spiritual enrichment, the purification of character, and to draw people closer to Christ.
Satan's Accusations and the Vindication of Character
»Concerning this man [Job] Satan brought the mocking accusation: "Does Job fear God in vain? Have you not made a fence around him and his house and everything he has, all around? ... But stretch out your hand once and touch everything he has; he will surely curse you to your face!"«
»Job said: "If He has tested me, I will emerge like gold." ... Through his patient endurance he vindicated his own character and thereby the character of the One whose representative he was. And "the Lord restored Job's captivity ... also the Lord gave Job double what he had previously."«
The Purpose of Divine Tests
»God permits tests to overwhelm His people so that through their perseverance and obedience they may be spiritually enriched themselves and their example can be a source of strength for others. ... Indeed, the tests that challenge our faith the most and make it appear as if God has abandoned us are meant to lead us closer to Christ.«
»The Lord allows His people to be subjected to the fiery test of temptation, not because He takes pleasure in their distress and affliction, but because this process is essential for their ultimate victory. He could not, in accordance with His own glory, protect them from temptation; for the real purpose of the test is to prepare them to resist all temptations of evil.«
»God sends tests to prove who will remain faithful under temptation. He places everyone in difficult situations to see whether they will trust a power that stands outside and above themselves. Everyone has undiscovered character traits that must be brought to light through tests.«
- Character test Job
- Why God allows suffering
- Satanic accusations against believers
Original Sources (English)
