Topical Bible: Judgments: Saints: Preserved During

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of divine judgment is a recurring theme, often highlighting the righteousness of God and His sovereign authority over creation. Within this framework, the preservation of the saints during times of judgment is a testament to God's faithfulness and His covenantal promises to His people. The saints, those who are set apart and sanctified by their faith in God, are assured of His protection and deliverance even amidst the most severe judgments.

Old Testament Examples

1. Noah and the Flood: One of the earliest examples of divine judgment and preservation is found in the account of Noah. In Genesis 6-9, God decides to cleanse the earth of its widespread wickedness through a great flood. However, Noah, described as "a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time" (Genesis 6:9), finds favor in the eyes of the Lord. God instructs Noah to build an ark to preserve himself, his family, and a remnant of all living creatures. This narrative underscores the principle that God preserves the righteous during judgment.

2. Lot and the Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: In Genesis 19, God plans to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sin. Yet, He spares Lot and his family, as Lot is considered righteous. The angels sent to execute judgment instruct Lot to flee the city, and he is preserved from the impending destruction. This account illustrates God's ability to rescue the godly from trials while executing judgment on the wicked.

New Testament Assurance

1. The Teachings of Jesus: In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the end times and the coming judgment. In Matthew 24, He describes the tribulations that will precede His return but assures His followers of their ultimate deliverance. "But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). This promise of preservation is a source of hope for believers facing trials.

2. The Book of Revelation: The apocalyptic visions in Revelation provide a vivid portrayal of divine judgment and the preservation of the saints. Revelation 7:3-4 describes the sealing of the 144,000 servants of God, symbolizing divine protection. Furthermore, Revelation 3:10 promises the faithful church in Philadelphia, "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world" .

Theological Implications

The preservation of the saints during divine judgments is a profound demonstration of God's justice and mercy. It affirms the belief that God is both a righteous judge and a compassionate protector. The saints' preservation is not based on their merit but on God's grace and His covenantal faithfulness. This theme encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's promises even in the face of adversity.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the biblical accounts of judgment and preservation serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. They are called to live righteously, trusting in God's protection and deliverance. The assurance of preservation during judgment provides comfort and hope, motivating believers to persevere in their faith and witness to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 5:19,20
He shall deliver you in six troubles: yes, in seven there shall no evil touch you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 91:7
A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.
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Isaiah 26:20
Come, my people, enter you into your chambers, and shut your doors about you: hide yourself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be over.
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Ezekiel 9:6
Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man on whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.
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Revelation 7:3
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
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Library

Perpetuity
... spread over all the earth; but these saints lived in ... desires that all His words be
preserved for ever ... all this was foretold; that God's judgments are entrusted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section ix perpetuity.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... God; and that from the fact that the judgments of God ... the fact of the fall and ruin
of real saints. ... reason have we to affirm that they were preserved from sin ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

The Millennium in Relation to the World.
... If the saints are all caught up to meet ... the Rapture will be subsequently destroyed
by God's judgments. ... will be a Jewish remnant miraculously preserved by God ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/5 the millennium in relation.htm

The Second vision "In Heaven"
... the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved of Israel ... 5), by the commencement
of a series of judgments ushered in ... On earth, the cry of the saints has been ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision in heaven.htm

Abram's Horror of Great Darkness.
... The reasons are with him "Whose judgments are unsearchable, and ... as in months past
"when God preserved me"when ... is often the language of the saints while in ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon v abrams horror of.htm

Letter iii. Having in the Former Two Letters Defined the Doctrine ...
... thousand thousands, and accepted prayers of saints and prophets ... a series of dicta
and judgments attributed to ... of that greatness, contained and preserved in that ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/letter iii having in the.htm

Letter vi. --For 334. Easter-Day, xii Pharmuthi, vii Id. April ...
... but in the Lord, that we may be inheritors with the saints. ... of the night gave thanks
for the righteous judgments of God ... 4125] A line or two is preserved here in ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter vi for 334 easter-day xii.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... commencement of His description of the judgments of God ... The "saints" here mentioned
are the godly Jewish remnant ... 24:16; those who obey will be preserved by God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... face to face, and my life is preserved."(1061) They ... to those more terrible and extensive
judgments which are ... For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... face to face, and my life is preserved." Genesis 32 ... to those more terrible and extensive
judgments which are ... For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm