It's a Hard Test

31. "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.

32. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

I have written about this before, but it is just so fascinating!

This is in Luke where Jesus predicts Peter's denial of Him.

Consider that Jesus, as both a man and God, clearly knew what would happen.

Consider how he presented the devil (means adversary...not his name). The devil had to request to the Father in order to test Peter.

So, first off, where Jesus said He saw "Satan fall like lightning" doesn't mean Satan was cast out of heaven at that time or prior as he is obviously still here at this moment petitioning God, the Father, to test Peter. Jesus had said that before this event. Sorry, but Satan hasn't fallen yet. He doesn't until the end as written in Revelation 12.

Next, consider how God the Father is in control. Apparently, the devil doesn't get that...yet. Jesus flat out says Peter WILL betray Him. Additionally, here in Luke, Jesus says "when you return". This implies that Peter not only would betray Jesus, but also WOULD return. So, if Jesus' prayer for Peter not to fail was accepted (and who of all people that ever walked on this earth would have prayers answered in the positive other than Jesus?), then the denial wasn't the failure!

The devil was clearly granted a test from the Father for Peter. But if the test wasn't the denial, then what was it?

Jesus said it: "when you have turned back".

Imagine the struggle Peter had, knowing full well Jesus had said previously that "anyone who denies me before men, I will deny before my Father."

Would Jesus forgive him? Did he lose his salvation?

Consider how many times you have sinned. What would keep Jesus from giving you forgiveness?

As far as I can see, there is only one sin that will not be forgiven, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Yes, Jesus did say that those who attribute His Spirit to a demonic possession was that blasphemy. Yet, isn't denial of Jesus' grace, mercy and His forgiveness also a rejection of the Spirit? Since the Spirit is what opens our eyes to those things?

Yes, rejecting Jesus Christ, is an unforgivable sin. That includes rejecting His forgiveness.

Peter's true test wasn't the denial, but rather his return to accept Christ's forgiveness again after such a grievous sin as denial!

The devil got his test. Jesus got His prayer. He even knew He would: "when you have turned back".

You will be tested. That test will include a failure. It could be major; adultery, murder, or denial of Jesus; or minor, drunkeness, lies or a lack of trust. If God lets you fail so badly, perhaps the test wasn't whether or not you did the deed, but rather whether or not you will return.

"Lead us not into temptation".

If you were not lead from temptation, your test is whether or not you believe Jesus when He said He would forgive and accept you back.

If you do, you will return. When you do, as Jesus said to Peter: "strengthen your brothers."

If you don't, you are blaspheming the Spirit as He is the one guiding you back.

Sorry, no, if you cheat on your spouse and then run off with another rather than turn back to your spouse (the one you made a vow to God with), you didn't turn back to Jesus...even if you still go to church.

Yes, turning back will require obedience to God's plan for you or you are still putting your plan first.

That never ends well.

Yes, you can be forgiven, even if you went that far, but I think it would require a huge apology to the one who you broke Faith with. I would also suggest super niceness too. Otherwise you will fall under some heavy judgement.

Keep in mind, the devil is still in a place where he can request additional testing...