Topical Bible: Persecution: God Forsakes not his Saints Under

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Persecution has been a recurring theme throughout the history of the Christian faith, as believers have often faced trials and tribulations for their steadfast commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Despite the intensity and frequency of such adversities, Scripture consistently affirms that God does not forsake His saints during times of persecution. This assurance is a source of strength and comfort for believers, encouraging them to remain faithful even in the face of severe opposition.

Biblical Assurance of God's Presence

The Bible provides numerous assurances that God remains with His people during persecution. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked will be cut off" (Psalm 37:28). This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His people, promising preservation and justice even when they are oppressed.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself offers comfort to His followers, saying, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). This promise of His perpetual presence reassures believers that they are never alone, even when facing persecution for His name's sake.

Examples of Divine Faithfulness

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of God’s faithfulness to His saints during persecution. The account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Book of Daniel illustrates God's miraculous deliverance. When these three men were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship an idol, God protected them, and they emerged unharmed (Daniel 3:16-28).

Similarly, the Apostle Paul, who faced numerous persecutions, including imprisonment and beatings, testified to God's sustaining presence. In 2 Timothy 4:17, he writes, "But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth" . Paul's experience highlights how God empowers His servants to continue their mission despite opposition.

Encouragement to Endure

Believers are encouraged to endure persecution with the knowledge that God is with them. The Apostle Peter writes, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened" (1 Peter 3:14). This exhortation reminds Christians that suffering for righteousness is a cause for blessing, and they should not be intimidated by their persecutors.

Moreover, the Apostle Paul encourages the church in Rome, stating, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" (Romans 8:35). This rhetorical question emphasizes that nothing, including persecution, can sever the bond between Christ and His followers.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in sustaining believers during persecution. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be their Helper and Comforter, providing them with the words to speak when they are brought before authorities (Luke 12:11-12). The Spirit's presence ensures that believers are equipped to face trials with courage and wisdom.

Conclusion

While persecution is a reality for many Christians, the Bible provides a profound assurance that God does not abandon His saints. Through His presence, deliverance, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are encouraged to remain steadfast, knowing that their faithfulness will ultimately be rewarded.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 4:9
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm IX.
... ver.11), is said to them, whom the Lord forsakes not as they ... without great reward
of eternity will die in persecution, "for requiring ... These are God's judgments ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ix.htm

Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
... For wherein can persecution harm if you strive for ... sake, neither forgets nor forsakes,
but graciously ... In contrast, unbelievers cannot sanctify God; they cannot ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fifth sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... of religion, he was engaged in a scheme of persecution. ... in the synagogues, that he
is the Son of God;" in the ... But when a man forsakes a religion, which he has ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xii the conversion of.htm

Satan's Banquet
... afterwards that which is worse, for he forsakes his master, and ... He has had the cup
of persecution, but now he ... and said, "Blessed be the name of God from this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/satans banquet.htm

The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation.
... The penitent gladly turns away or forsakes his evil ways. ... of their separation from
the world and of their persecution by the ... It flows from the throne of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter v the way from.htm

The Sword of the Spirit
... are not carnal: he never uses either persecution or patronage ... any other sword than
the Word of God, he had ... Defeat awaits that man who forsakes the Word of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the sword of the spirit.htm

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... free will is a "capacity;" it is, because given by God in our ... nature, and not in
man's power to have or not have ... right use of it only, which man has in his power ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... God blots out no good but for the sake of sin;[10] and forasmuch as this man prays
God would not blot out his, it is evident that he was conscious ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him ... righteousness; but to him that
worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... Christian principles, which brought down severe persecution upon him ... and had perished
therein, had not God, in mercy ... [HIS CONVERSION AND PAINFUL EXERCISES OF MIND ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm