Topical Bible: The Providence of God is Exercised in Delivering Saints

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The providence of God, a central theme in Christian theology, refers to the divine guidance and care that God exercises over His creation. This providence is particularly evident in the deliverance of the saints, those who are set apart for God's purposes. Throughout Scripture, numerous accounts illustrate how God intervenes in the lives of His people, providing protection, guidance, and deliverance from peril.

Old Testament Examples

1. Joseph: The account of Joseph is a profound example of God's providence in delivering His people. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rose to power in Egypt and ultimately saved his family from famine. Joseph himself recognized God's hand in his journey, saying, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

2. Moses and the Israelites: The deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt is a foundational narrative of divine intervention. God raised Moses to lead His people out of bondage, performing miracles such as the parting of the Red Sea. Exodus 14:13-14 records Moses' assurance to the people: "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."

3. Daniel: In the face of persecution, Daniel experienced God's deliverance when he was thrown into the lions' den. God shut the mouths of the lions, preserving Daniel's life. Daniel 6:22 states, "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight."

New Testament Examples

1. Peter's Release from Prison: In the New Testament, the apostle Peter's miraculous release from prison is a testament to God's providential care. As the church prayed earnestly for him, an angel of the Lord appeared and led Peter out of the prison (Acts 12:5-11). This event underscores the power of prayer and God's ability to intervene in seemingly impossible situations.

2. Paul's Deliverance: The apostle Paul experienced numerous instances of divine deliverance throughout his ministry. In 2 Corinthians 1:10 , Paul reflects on God's faithfulness: "He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us."

Theological Implications

The providence of God in delivering saints is not merely about physical rescue but also encompasses spiritual deliverance. God's ultimate act of deliverance is seen in the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:13-14 declares, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to trust in God's providence, knowing that He is sovereign over all circumstances. Romans 8:28 assures, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This trust is not passive but involves active faith and prayer, as seen in the early church's response to Peter's imprisonment.

In summary, the providence of God in delivering saints is a testament to His faithfulness, power, and love. It serves as a source of hope and encouragement for believers, affirming that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, working all things for their ultimate good and His glory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 91:3
Surely he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 31:5
As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God's Love to Fallen Man
... To'assert a gracious Providence,. ... to exercise them: And the more they are exercised,
the more all ... could have had no being; " resignation to God; confidence in ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 59 gods love to.htm

The Savoy Declaration of the Congregational Churches. AD 1658.
... de se, and needed no other delivering up to ... Church against Christ, and all that is
called God. ... Church, hath in his infinite wise providence exercised it with ...
/.../the savoy declaration of the.htm

Wesley -- God's Love to Fallen Man
... To assert a gracious Providence, And justify the ways of ... And the more they are exercised,
the more all our ... have had no being: resignation to God, confidence in ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/wesley gods love to.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... his government of the world is exercised and administered ... he was pleased to display
his providence and paternal ... This God certainly did not that he might delude ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

How to Preach the Gospel.
... employed; for here not only does the providence of God ... A great deal of ingenuity
has been exercised in endeavoring ... and lay it to sovereignty in God, that you ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xii how to preach.htm

The General Conference of 1820
... conference, where they have been and are now exercised, to the ... It is of God, and
will prevail ... us!' Your Committee believe it a call of Providence, which should ...
/.../chapter 5 the general conference.htm

Conversion
... which God and God's people first exercised towards you. ... in your chamber you are able,
with God's help, to ... her, in conjunction with a solemn providence, was the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/conversion.htm

The Doctrine of the Last Things.
... Yet great care must be exercised in the teaching or ... Christ, with the subsequent course
of God's providence in the ... vengeance on them that know not God, and that ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the last.htm

Summa Theologica
... Whether providence imposes any necessity on things foreseen? ... Whether the predestined
are chosen by God? ... can be furthered by the prayers of the saints? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... suited to human covenants, because the providence of God ... the general judgment pertains
exclusively to God the Father ... be the seat of power exercised in judgment ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm