Topical Bible: Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Strengthening Them

Bible > Topical > Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Strengthening Them

◄ Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Strengthening Them ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of divine protection for the saints is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing God's commitment to safeguarding His people. This protection is not merely a shield from physical harm but also a spiritual fortification that empowers believers to withstand trials and tribulations.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible assures believers of God's protective presence, often linked with His strength imparted to them. In Isaiah 41:10 , God declares, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This verse encapsulates the promise of divine strength and support, assuring the saints that they are not alone in their struggles.

Strength in Weakness

The Apostle Paul provides a profound insight into the nature of divine strength in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , where he writes, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Here, Paul reveals that God's protection often manifests as strength in the believer's weakness, allowing them to endure and overcome adversities.

The Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-18 provides a vivid metaphor for the spiritual protection and strength available to believers: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." The passage describes the "armor of God" as comprising truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. This armor symbolizes the spiritual resources God provides to protect and empower His people against spiritual warfare.

Divine Refuge and Fortress

The Psalms frequently depict God as a refuge and fortress for His people. Psalm 46:1 states, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." This imagery conveys the idea of God as a stronghold, offering safety and strength to those who seek Him. Similarly, Psalm 91:1-2 promises, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

Empowerment through the Holy Spirit

The New Testament further emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' promise to His disciples: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The Holy Spirit equips the saints with the strength and courage needed to fulfill their divine mission, providing protection through spiritual empowerment.

Endurance through Faith

Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," highlights the endurance of the saints through faith. Hebrews 11:33-34 recounts how through faith, the saints "conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies." This passage underscores the transformative power of faith, which enables believers to experience God's protection and strength in their lives.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently affirms that protection is vouchsafed to the saints through the strengthening presence of God. Whether through His promises, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or the spiritual armor provided, God equips His people to face life's challenges with confidence and resilience.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 4:17
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Savoy Declaration of the Congregational Churches. AD 1658.
... States and Churches, there ought to be vouchsafed a forbearance and ... is more, to give
us both Protection, and the ... and Graces of the Holy Ghost, Saints living in ...
/.../the savoy declaration of the.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... fuller measure than had ever been vouchsafed to the ... doubtless by God's command and
under His special protection. ... had been regenerated and made "saints" by Holy ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

Gethsemane
... the few eminent, experienced, grace-taught saints, who may be ... can forfeit a child's
right to a father's protection. ... Now I think this was vouchsafed to him in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/gethsemane.htm

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
... as an instance of supernatural assistance vouchsafed to it ... objective faith once
delivered to the saints,' which he ... is a state of safety and protection to those ...
/.../seances historiques de genevethe national.htm

part i
... the beauty of Her soul and Her greatness, as the Mother of God, and the beauty of
the souls of God's saints, and their love to us; we must see them as they are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm