Topical Bible: Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will be Saved

◄ Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will be Saved ►

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In the biblical context, waiting is often associated with faith, patience, and trust in God's timing and promises. The act of waiting is not passive but involves active trust and hope in the Lord. Throughout Scripture, those who wait on God are assured of His salvation and deliverance.

Old Testament Insights

The concept of waiting on the Lord is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Isaiah 40:31 declares, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." This verse highlights the renewal and strength that come from waiting on God, emphasizing that such waiting leads to spiritual vitality and endurance.

In the Psalms, waiting is frequently linked with hope and trust. Psalm 27:14 encourages believers, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD." Here, waiting is coupled with courage and strength, suggesting that it is an active stance of faith rather than mere idleness.

The account of Abraham is a profound example of waiting in faith. Despite the long delay in the fulfillment of God's promise of a son, Abraham's faith did not waver. Romans 4:20-21 reflects on this, stating, "Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised."

New Testament Perspectives

In the New Testament, waiting takes on an eschatological dimension, as believers are called to wait for the return of Christ. Titus 2:13 speaks of "waiting for the blessed hope and the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This waiting is characterized by anticipation and readiness for the fulfillment of God's ultimate promise.

The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 underscores the importance of being prepared while waiting for the bridegroom, symbolizing Christ. The wise virgins, who were ready and waiting, entered the wedding feast, while the foolish ones were left out. This parable illustrates that waiting involves preparedness and vigilance.

James 5:7-8 further encourages believers to be patient as they wait for the Lord's coming: "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. You too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near."

Theological Implications

Theologically, waiting on the Lord is an expression of faith and reliance on God's sovereignty and timing. It acknowledges human limitations and God's omnipotence. Waiting is a spiritual discipline that cultivates patience, humility, and trust, aligning believers with God's purposes and timing.

The assurance of salvation for those who wait is a recurring theme. Lamentations 3:25-26 affirms, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD." This passage reassures believers that waiting is not in vain but is met with God's goodness and salvation.

In summary, waiting in the biblical sense is an active, faith-filled anticipation of God's promises. It is a vital aspect of the believer's spiritual journey, promising renewal, strength, and ultimately, salvation for those who faithfully engage in it.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 20:22
Say not you, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save you.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 25:9
And it shall be said in that day, See, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Conditions of Being Saved
... Will you engage to meet these conditions? ... be noticed that Paul gave the jailer just
those directions which ... seems to have made no delay at all, waiting for no ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/x conditions of being saved.htm

It is a Matter of Doubt, Whether Believers under the Old Testament ...
... man, (Simeon,) was just and devout, waiting for the ... I will engage, that, after this
experiment, they will not ... such a sinister judgment on those who confess to ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article xi it is a.htm

Visions of Future Glory
... from among the nations of earth, he hears the waiting ones unite ... But it shall be
for those: ... In the earth made new, the redeemed will engage in the occupations ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 60 visions of future.htm

Conclusion.
... to think or speak of God, or engage in his ... asleep, with my lamp unfurnished; but
waiting and longing ... Let those who shall read these heavenly directions, not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the saints everlasting rest/conclusion.htm

Love, the Motive Power for Service.
... Can we not engage in the service of Christ because we ... "What are you doing here, my
boy?" "Waiting for the ... one toward another." Love not only for those who are ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter ii love the motive.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... completed; were all seasons that pointed out times of waiting upon the ... graces, they
showed that it is dutiful to engage in that and those other exercises ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

Religion and Amusement.
... or that amusement, condemning it, and those who engage in it ... truth;" and Christian
thought, so far from waiting for the ... as not abusing it, and not those who are ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/religion and amusement.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... from adopting the same standards, and holding communion with one another in waiting
on all the ... This act is performed in the name of those who engage in it ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

Who is on the Lord's Side? Exodus 32:26.
... his requirements, in performing religious duties, but do not engage in those things
because ... a very comfortable hope all the while, patiently waiting for a ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/who is on the lords 2.htm

Take Ye Away the Stone.
... While they were waiting alone in the parlor, he began ... in his Church after they brought
in those young converts. ... If anyone will but engage heartily in this work ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter i take ye away.htm