The concept of being "untested" in the Bible often relates to the idea of spiritual maturity, character development, and the trials that believers face in their walk with God. While the term "untested" itself may not appear frequently in the Scriptures, the underlying principles are woven throughout biblical narratives and teachings.

Biblical Context

1. Spiritual Maturity and Testing: The Bible frequently addresses the necessity of testing in the life of a believer as a means to develop spiritual maturity. James 1:2-4 states, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Here, the testing of faith is portrayed as essential for growth and completeness in Christ.

2. Character and Integrity: The testing of one's character is a recurring theme in Scripture. Proverbs 17:3 says, "A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts." This verse highlights that God uses tests to refine and reveal the true nature of a person's heart, much like a refiner purifies precious metals.

3. Examples of Untested Individuals: Throughout the Bible, there are individuals who initially appear untested but are later subjected to trials that reveal their character. For instance, Joseph, before being sold into slavery by his brothers, was untested in terms of leadership and endurance. His subsequent trials in Egypt, as recorded in Genesis, served to prepare him for his future role as a leader and savior of his people.

4. Warnings Against Remaining Untested: The Scriptures caution against complacency and the dangers of remaining untested. In Revelation 3:15-16 , the church in Laodicea is admonished for being lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, indicating a lack of spiritual fervor and testing. This serves as a warning to believers about the perils of spiritual stagnation.

5. Faith and Works: The relationship between faith and works is another area where the concept of being untested is relevant. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This implies that untested faith, which does not manifest in works, is incomplete and ineffective.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of being untested is significant in understanding the process of sanctification. Believers are called to grow in holiness and Christlikeness, a process that often involves trials and testing. Romans 5:3-4 explains, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." This passage underscores the transformative power of trials in the life of a believer.

Practical Application

For Christians, the idea of being untested serves as a reminder to embrace challenges and trials as opportunities for growth. It encourages believers to seek God's wisdom and strength in times of testing, trusting that He is working all things for their good (Romans 8:28). Additionally, it calls for a proactive faith that seeks to be refined and proven through action and obedience to God's Word.

The Faith of Abraham.
... Before Abraham faith was both limited in its experience and untested with
heaven-sent difficulties. Abraham's religion was complex. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xi the faith of.htm

Ep. Lxv. Eusebius Having Replied to the Former Letter Gregory ...
... For it is not an untested virtue that you have shown, nor is it only, in a time
of calm that you have sailed aright and steered the souls of others, but you ...
/.../select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep lxv eusebius having replied.htm

How to Secure a Prosperous Voyage
... And men who simply act on untested impulses, even the most benevolent which spring
directly from large Christian principles, may be making deplorable mistakes. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/how to secure a prosperous.htm

The Pathway of the Holy
... Here is a page from the personal experience of one who was determined to walk the
King's highway:". 'Perfect love', he says, 'will not go long untested. ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/vii the pathway of the.htm

Jesus as a Friend.
... He never asked his friends to accept any such untested theories. He lived all his
own lessons. He was not a mere teacher; he was a leader of men. ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xv jesus as a.htm

Coornhert and the Collegiants --A Movement for Spiritual Religion ...
... Beginning with the bold resolution to accept nothing untested, to doubt everything
in the universe that can be doubted, and to receive as truth only that which ...
/.../chapter vii coornhert and the.htm

Untested (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Untested (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 22:5 And
David said, Solomon my son is young and untested, and the ...
/u/untested.htm - 7k

Untended (2 Occurrences)

/u/untended.htm - 7k

Unthankful (2 Occurrences)

/u/unthankful.htm - 7k

Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences)
... foolish and good-for-nothing men were joined with him, and made themselves strong
against Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, when he was young and untested and not ...
/g/good-for-nothing.htm - 13k

Materials (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and untested, and the
house which is to be put up for the Lord is to be very great, a thing of wonder ...
/m/materials.htm - 9k

Needed (59 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and untested, and the
house which is to be put up for the Lord is to be very great, a thing of wonder ...
/n/needed.htm - 25k

Material (61 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and untested, and the
house which is to be put up for the Lord is to be very great, a thing of wonder ...
/m/material.htm - 24k

Store (134 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and untested, and the
house which is to be put up for the Lord is to be very great, a thing of wonder ...
/s/store.htm - 39k

Wonder (148 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and untested, and the
house which is to be put up for the Lord is to be very great, a thing of wonder ...
/w/wonder.htm - 37k

Foolish (259 Occurrences)
... foolish and good-for-nothing men were joined with him, and made themselves strong
against Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, when he was young and untested and not ...
/f/foolish.htm - 36k

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