The concept of God's loving-kindness is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His enduring mercy, compassion, and steadfast love towards His people. This divine attribute is not only a source of comfort and hope but also a means by which the saints are preserved and sustained in their spiritual journey.

Biblical Foundation

The Hebrew word often translated as "loving-kindness" is "chesed," which encompasses God's covenantal love, mercy, and faithfulness. In the New Testament, this is mirrored by the Greek word "eleos," denoting mercy and compassion. God's loving-kindness is a testament to His unchanging nature and His commitment to His covenant people.

Preservation of the Saints

The preservation of the saints by God's loving-kindness is a recurring theme in Scripture. This preservation is both spiritual and physical, ensuring that believers are kept secure in their faith and protected from ultimate harm.

1. Spiritual Preservation

God's loving-kindness ensures the spiritual security of the saints. In Jude 1:1, believers are described as "called, loved by God the Father, and kept in Jesus Christ." This keeping is an act of divine love, safeguarding the believer's faith and ensuring their perseverance.

In Psalm 36:7, the psalmist declares, "How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings." Here, God's loving-kindness is depicted as a protective refuge, a place where the saints find safety and sustenance.

2. Physical Preservation

While the ultimate focus is on spiritual preservation, God's loving-kindness also extends to the physical well-being of His people. In Psalm 91:4, it is written, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." This imagery conveys God's protective care over the physical lives of the saints, shielding them from harm.

3. Eternal Preservation

The loving-kindness of God assures the saints of their eternal security. In Romans 8:38-39, the Apostle Paul affirms, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This passage underscores the unbreakable bond between God and His people, secured by His loving-kindness.

Examples from Scripture

· David: Throughout the Psalms, David frequently appeals to God's loving-kindness for preservation. In Psalm 23:6, he confidently asserts, "Surely goodness and loving devotion will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." David's life, marked by trials and triumphs, is a testament to God's preserving love.

· Daniel: In the book of Daniel, God's loving-kindness is evident in the preservation of Daniel and his friends amidst the challenges of exile. Daniel 6:22 recounts how God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths, preserving Daniel's life as a demonstration of His steadfast love.

· Paul: The Apostle Paul experienced God's preserving loving-kindness throughout his ministry. In 2 Timothy 4:18, he writes, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." Paul's confidence in God's loving-kindness underscores his assurance of divine preservation.

Conclusion

The loving-kindness of God is a profound and enduring attribute that ensures the preservation of the saints. Through His steadfast love, God provides spiritual, physical, and eternal security, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people. This divine loving-kindness is a source of hope and assurance for believers, affirming their place in God's eternal plan.Psalm 40:11
Withhold not you your tender mercies from me, O LORD: let your loving kindness and your truth continually preserve me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Perseverance
... unto me for ever, in righteousness and lovingkindness.' Hosea 2 ... heavens from falling:
the power of God is that Atlas which bears up the saints from falling ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/10 perseverance.htm

Colossians i. 26-28
... since it hath been manifested to His saints alone ... having through all things returned
thanks to God, we may ... love Him, through the grace and lovingkindness of our ...
/.../homily v colossians i 26-28.htm

The Sin of Unbelief
... to be "admired of all his saints." But there ... solemn lay, "Hallelujah, the Lord God
omnipotent reigneth ... thee unto me in everlasting lovingkindness." But where ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the sin of unbelief.htm

(On the Mysteries. V. )
... O most surpassing loving-kindness of God! ... in another place, to a company of unscathed
saints, giving thanks ... And the God of peace sanctify you wholly; and may ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xxiii on the mysteries.htm

1 Thessalonians v. 19-22
... shining, as, for instance, Paul and Peter, and all those Saints; while others ... be
inclined to pity; that thou mayest admire the lovingkindness of God; for if ...
/.../homily xi 1 thessalonians v.htm

Letter vi. --For 334. Easter-Day, xii Pharmuthi, vii Id. April ...
... even thus He spared them in His loving-kindness, not destroying ... and have no peace,
since they commit evil against God. But the saints, as they live to the Lord ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter vi for 334 easter-day xii.htm

Letter v. --For 333. Easter-Day , Coss. Dalmatius and Zenophilus ...
... For this is the marvel of His loving-kindness, that He should ... as never to forget
the noble acts of God, nor to ... that it may show forth to the saints the reward ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter v for 333 easter-day.htm

Fellowship with God
... Does the Father love the saints?"even so do we ... mercy, according to the riches of
his lovingkindness in Christ ... and the child now testifies that God is faithful ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/fellowship with god.htm

The God of Peace
... and foreigners fellow-heirs with the saints, and joint ... allowed to display itself
in loving-kindness through the ... always believe it is because God interferes to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the god of peace.htm

Liturgy of St. Dionysius, Bishop of the Athenians .
... names, with the names of Thy Saints in the ... the Sacraments of Thy Only-begotten, O
God the Father ... grateful mind we acknowledge Thy loving-kindness; because, from ...
/.../letters of dionysius the areopagite/liturgy of st dionysius bishop.htm

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