Topical Bible: Faith: Through It Is: Preservation

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Faith, as a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is not only the means by which believers are justified and brought into a relationship with God, but it is also the mechanism through which they are preserved in their spiritual journey. The concept of preservation through faith is deeply rooted in Scripture, illustrating how faith acts as a sustaining force in the life of a believer.

Preservation in the Old Testament

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of faith as a means of preservation. Noah, for instance, is a quintessential figure whose faith led to the preservation of his family and the human race. Hebrews 11:7 reflects on this: "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family." Noah's faith in God's warning and promise preserved him through the flood.

Similarly, the faith of the Israelites during the Exodus is a testament to preservation. Despite their frequent lapses, it was their faith in God's promises that sustained them through the wilderness. The Passover, as described in Exodus 12, is a profound example where faith in God's instructions led to the preservation of the firstborn of Israel.

Preservation in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the theme of preservation through faith is further developed. The Apostle Peter writes to the early Christians, emphasizing that they "are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:5). This passage underscores the belief that faith is not only the entry point into salvation but also the means by which believers are kept secure until the final revelation of their salvation.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to this in his letters. In 2 Timothy 4:18 , he expresses confidence in God's preserving power: "The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom." Paul's assurance is rooted in his faith, which he sees as the channel through which God's preserving grace operates.

Faith as a Shield

The metaphor of faith as a shield is vividly portrayed in Ephesians 6:16 : "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Here, faith is depicted as a protective barrier against spiritual attacks, preserving the believer from harm and enabling them to stand firm in their spiritual battles.

The Role of Faith in Perseverance

Faith is intrinsically linked to perseverance, as seen in Hebrews 10:39 : "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." This verse highlights the sustaining power of faith, which enables believers to endure trials and remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ.

Faith and the Community of Believers

The preservation of faith is not solely an individual endeavor but is also supported by the community of believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages Christians to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as some have made a habit, but encouraging one another." The communal aspect of faith provides mutual support and encouragement, contributing to the preservation of each member's faith.

Conclusion

While the entry does not include a formal conclusion, the exploration of faith as a means of preservation reveals its vital role in the believer's life. Through faith, individuals are not only justified but are also sustained and protected throughout their spiritual journey, assured of God's power to preserve them until the end.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 1:5
Who are kept by the power of God through faith to salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Consecration and Preservation.
... it means, and why peace is thus associated with consecration and preservation. ...
1:20), and the acceptance of His atoning sacrifice through faith brings peace to ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/ii consecration and preservation.htm

Light through Darkness
... With the eye of faith Jeremiah saw the exiles ... Through the purchase of the Anathoth
estate he would do ... of the purchase and arranging for the preservation of the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 38 light through darkness.htm

On the Catholic Church, Her Parts and Relations
... Lord, through one Spirit, and through one faith placed in ... temple, and a habitation
of God through the Spirit ... the act of her creation and preservation, is said ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation liv on the catholic.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... But the Spirit wrought faith in me, and I believed ... overcome through the blood of
the Lamb, and through the power ... But if the preservation be of God, where is the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

The Connection of the Christian virtues.
... Natural affection, on the other hand, is the preservation of good-will ... bare word;
and they followed through fear, not through disposition and faith. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ix the connection of the.htm

Through the Red Sea
... advance grew slower as it extended back through the ranks ... God would fight for him;
his faith was perfect ... thought beyond the impulse of self-preservation, it was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlv through the red.htm

The Confessions and Letters of St
... and on the Admonitions of His Mother on the Preservation of Chastity. ... Him of the
Rhetorician Victorinus Having Been Converted to the Faith Through the Reading ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/the confessions and letters of st/

The Perseverance of the Saints
... the favor of a reconciled God, through faith adore His ... they neither totally fall
from faith and grace ... nor the merit, intercession, and preservation of Christ ...
/.../anonymous/synod of dort/the perseverance of the saints.htm

Joseph's Faith
... life without a body, and that in some mysterious way the preservation of that ... And
such certitude is given through faith which grasps the promises of God, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/josephs faith.htm

Faith Illustrated
... sure of thy redemption, and thou art certain of thy preservation unto that ... righteousness,
which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/faith illustrated.htm