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Confrontation
left man a perfect pattern, showing him that his only safety is in firm
trust and unwavering confidence in God in all trials and perils. He
refused to presume upon the mercy of His Father by placing Himself
in peril that would make it necessary for His heavenly Father to display
His power to save Him from danger. This would be forcing providence
on His own account, and He would not then leave for His people a
perfect example of faith and firm trust in God.
Satan’s object in tempting Christ was to lead Him to daring pre-
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sumption, and to show human weakness that would not make Him a
perfect pattern for His people. He thought that should Christ fail to
bear the test of his temptations there could be no redemption for the
race, and his power over them would be complete.