Topical Bible: Church: Safe Under his Care

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The concept of the Church being safe under God's care is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing God's protective and nurturing role over His people. This assurance of divine protection and care is a cornerstone of Christian faith, providing believers with comfort and confidence in their spiritual journey.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently uses imagery and direct statements to convey the safety and security of the Church under God's care. In the Old Testament, the imagery of God as a shepherd is prevalent, illustrating His protective and guiding role. Psalm 23:1-4 beautifully captures this: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, further reinforcing the theme of divine care and protection. John 10:11 states, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This passage highlights the sacrificial love and commitment of Christ to His Church, ensuring their safety and well-being.

The Church as the Body of Christ

The Church, described as the Body of Christ, is under the direct care and authority of Jesus. Ephesians 1:22-23 affirms this, saying, "And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." This passage underscores the comprehensive authority of Christ over the Church, ensuring its protection and guidance.

Divine Protection and Spiritual Warfare

The theme of safety under God's care is also evident in the context of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10-11 instructs believers to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage reassures believers that God provides the necessary spiritual armor to withstand evil forces, highlighting His protective role.

God's Faithfulness and Promises

The faithfulness of God is a recurring theme that assures the Church of His unwavering care. Hebrews 13:5-6 reminds believers of God's promise: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" This promise of God's constant presence and help is a source of comfort and security for the Church.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in ensuring the Church's safety under God's care. As the Comforter and Guide, the Holy Spirit empowers and protects believers. John 14:16-17 records Jesus' promise: "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you." The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is a testament to God's ongoing care and protection of His Church.

Conclusion

The assurance of the Church being safe under God's care is a central tenet of Christian belief, rooted in the character of God as a loving and protective Father. Through the imagery of the shepherd, the authority of Christ, the provision of spiritual armor, the faithfulness of God's promises, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, Scripture consistently affirms the security and well-being of the Church under divine care.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 46:1,2,5
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Under his Shadow.
... complain of me, for to the great loss of the Church she has ... able to take care of
itself, so it cowers down under the mother, and is there happy and safe. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/under his shadow.htm

Enterprise of Gainas, the Gothic Barbarian. Evils which He ...
... judged that it would not be safe to venture ... forbidding the heterodox to hold a church
within the ... gave no place to innovation in the churches under his care. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter iv enterprise of gainas the.htm

Whether Restitution must Always be Made to the Person from whom a ...
... and can easily be sent: else it should be deposited in a safe place to ... in which case
he must make restitution to the Church, and have it under his own care ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether restitution must always be.htm

Death of Paul Bishop of the Novatians, and Election of Marcian as ...
... certain sense, all the different sects into one church. ... all the presbyters of the
churches under his care, and thus ... deposit, now entrusted to your safe keeping ...
/.../chapter xlvi death of paul bishop.htm

On Sleeping in Church
... men are become so cautious as, to choose more safe and convenient ... as good success
to the grave that is under his feet ... Many men come to church to save or gain a ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/on sleeping in church.htm

Paul's Last Letter
... both ministers and people are trampling under their feet ... In the Bible are found the
only safe principles of ... should hesitate, fearing that the church at Ephesus ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 49 pauls last letter.htm

The Lord Our Dwelling Place
... afraid there are many wandering souls in the church of Christ ... If the little children
wants to be safe, it must ... good for nothing, that I want you under my wings. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 8 the lord our.htm

The Lord Reigneth
... themselves, and makes them instrumental in purifying His people, and extending His
Church, by the ... Thus they who dwell under His shadow are safe; for all ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxvi the lord reigneth.htm

The Catholic Apostolic Church (Called Irvingites. )
... ready, to stand with him upon Mount Zion, safe in his ... They are a part of the one
Church, differing from their brethren in being gathered under the proper ...
/.../ 113 the catholic apostolic.htm

The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ...
... of your adversaries, by the afflictions of the Church, by the ... the friend and patron
of the righteous, under whose protection they are safe, and by ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture i the resurrection of.htm