Topical Bible: Protection: God is Able to Afford

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The concept of divine protection is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's ability and willingness to safeguard His people. This protection is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual, emotional, and eternal dimensions. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and assurances of God's protective nature, emphasizing His omnipotence, faithfulness, and love.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, God's protection is vividly portrayed in the lives of the patriarchs, prophets, and the nation of Israel. One of the earliest examples is found in Genesis 15:1, where God assures Abram, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Here, God presents Himself as a shield, a metaphor for defense and safety.

The Exodus narrative is a profound demonstration of God's protective power. In Exodus 14:13-14, as the Israelites face the Red Sea with the Egyptian army in pursuit, Moses declares, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." This passage highlights God's ability to protect His people against overwhelming odds.

The Psalms frequently celebrate God's protective nature. Psalm 91, often referred to as the "Psalm of Protection," promises, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1). The psalmist assures believers of God's refuge and fortress, emphasizing trust in His protection against various dangers.

New Testament Assurance

In the New Testament, the theme of divine protection continues, with a focus on spiritual security through Jesus Christ. In John 10:28-29, Jesus declares, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand." This passage underscores the eternal security and protection afforded to believers.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often speaks of God's protective power. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3, he writes, "But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one." Here, Paul reassures the Thessalonian church of God's faithfulness in providing spiritual protection against evil.

Divine Protection in Practice

The Bible also provides practical insights into how believers can experience God's protection. Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the "armor of God," a metaphorical depiction of spiritual defenses available to Christians. Paul exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). This passage emphasizes the active role believers play in appropriating God's protection through faith, prayer, and righteousness.

Moreover, the role of angels as agents of God's protection is acknowledged in Scripture. Hebrews 1:14 states, "Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" This verse suggests that angels are dispatched by God to protect and serve believers.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently affirms that God is both willing and able to protect His people. This protection is comprehensive, covering all aspects of life and extending into eternity. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises, seek His refuge, and live in the assurance of His unfailing protection.

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

Jude 1:24
Now to him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Divine Support and Protection
... or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find ... can injure those who are under
the protection of Omnipotence ... kill the body (Luke 12:4) . If God permits His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlv divine support and.htm

Of Religion Towards God, and Mercy Towards Men; and of the ...
... relate; but one man was formed by God, and from ... fellowship with men for the sake
of protection, either to ... the affording help, that we may be able to receive it ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap x of religion towards god.htm

Mission Work in Chicago
... We encouraged her to trust God fully for protection as well as for everything ... From
that time forward she has been able to put her trust wholly in God. ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xix mission work in.htm

The Established Christian Urged to Exert Himself for Purposes of ...
... his distinguished abilities the disguise or protection of the ... inconvenience spare
from that abundance which God hath given you ... in a town, who are able to afford ...
/.../chapter xxviii the established christian.htm

Thanksgiving to God for Deliverance from the Evils Expected Owing ...
... stiff and hard bones, surrounding it by the protection of the ... one of the brutes has
ever been able to subjugate ... of skill which is given him of God, makes each ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xi thanksgiving to god.htm

Chapter xxxii
... experience so lucid that a man sees through and is able to analyze ... set down as a
theme God's Rich Assurances, or The Strong Protection of God's Holy Angels. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxii.htm

St. Peter of Alcantara Comforts the Saint. Great Temptations and ...
... I used to take up the cross for protection, and try to ... was really the work of the
Spirit of God; and as ... from her, because in many ways she was able to afford it ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxx st peter of.htm

Thanksgiving after Chastisement.
... the noble power over the earth, to which God has appointed ... less on account of not
being able in ordinary ... and above all on the security and protection of public ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxi thanksgiving after chastisement.htm

Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me all the Days of My Life ...
... at best, which frail mortals like ourselves are able to supply ... the part in our lives
which only God can play ... we fain would find beneath their protection a shield ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/xi surely goodness and mercy.htm

Herod and Peter.
... of the Apostles, and mortified at not being able to gratify ... left it, thou hast no
promise of divine protection. ... plan, is to commit ourselves to God, to resign ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiv herod and peter.htm