Topical Bible: Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Defending Them Against Their Enemies

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of divine protection for the saints is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to safeguard His people against their adversaries. This protection is not merely a passive shield but an active defense, often involving miraculous interventions and assurances of God's presence.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament is replete with instances where God provides protection to His chosen people. In Exodus 14:14, during the Israelites' escape from Egypt, Moses assures them, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." This verse encapsulates the divine promise of protection, emphasizing that God Himself will act on behalf of His people.

In the Psalms, David frequently acknowledges God's protective role. Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Here, the imagery of God as a fortress and shield underscores His role as a defender against enemies.

Prophetic Assurance

The prophets also speak of God's protection. Isaiah 54:17 offers a powerful promise: "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me, declares the LORD." This assurance highlights that divine protection extends beyond physical safety to include defense against false accusations and spiritual attacks.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the theme of protection continues, with Jesus Himself promising His followers divine safeguarding. In John 10:28-29, Jesus states, "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 emphasizes the security of believers, held firmly in the protective grasp of both the Son and the Father.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to this theme in Romans 8:31, "What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" This rhetorical question underscores the invincibility of those who are under God's protection, as no enemy can prevail against the divine will.

Spiritual Armor

Ephesians 6:10-18 provides a metaphorical depiction of divine protection through the "armor of God." 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 outlines the spiritual resources available to Christians, including truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation, which serve as protective gear in spiritual warfare.

Divine Presence

The assurance of God's presence is a cornerstone of the promise of protection. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus reassures His disciples, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This promise of perpetual presence serves as a source of comfort and courage for believers facing adversities.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently affirms that protection is vouchsafed to the saints, manifesting in various forms—physical, spiritual, and emotional. This divine safeguarding is a testament to God's faithfulness and His covenantal commitment to His people, ensuring that they are defended against all forms of enmity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 20:1-4
When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, and chariots, and a people more than you, be not afraid of them: for the LORD your God is with you, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before you; and shall say, Destroy them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 59:19
So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook