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

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The providence of God refers to His divine guidance and care over all creation, orchestrating events and circumstances according to His sovereign will. A significant aspect of this providence is the protection of His saints—those who are set apart and devoted to Him. Throughout Scripture, numerous passages illustrate how God exercises His providential care to shield His people from harm, deliver them from danger, and preserve them for His purposes.

Biblical Foundations

1. Divine Protection Promised: The Bible is replete with promises of God's protection for His people. In Psalm 91:11-12 , it is written, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." This passage highlights the angelic protection afforded to the faithful, ensuring their safety in various circumstances.

2. God as a Refuge: The imagery of God as a refuge and fortress is a recurring theme. Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." This assurance of divine refuge underscores the belief that God is a safe haven for His people, providing shelter and strength in the midst of adversity.

3. Deliverance from Enemies: The providence of God is often seen in His deliverance of the saints from their enemies. In 2 Samuel 22:2-3 , David sings, "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 and my refuge, my Savior—You save me from violence." This testimony of deliverance reflects God's active role in protecting His chosen ones from those who seek to harm them.

4. Protection in Persecution: The New Testament also speaks to God's providential care during times of persecution. In Acts 12:6-11, the apostle Peter is miraculously freed from prison by an angel of the Lord, demonstrating God's intervention in the face of human opposition. This account illustrates that even when the saints face persecution, God's providence can provide a way of escape.

5. Spiritual Protection: Beyond physical safety, God's providence extends to spiritual protection. In Ephesians 6:10-11 , believers are exhorted to "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." This passage emphasizes the spiritual resources available to the saints, enabling them to withstand spiritual attacks and remain steadfast in their faith.

Examples from Scripture

· Daniel in the Lions' Den: In Daniel 6, Daniel is thrown into a den of lions for his unwavering devotion to God. Yet, God's providence is evident as He sends an angel to shut the lions' mouths, preserving Daniel's life. This miraculous protection serves as a testament to God's ability to safeguard His faithful servants.

· Paul's Journeys: The apostle Paul experienced numerous threats and dangers during his missionary journeys. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, he recounts the perils he faced, yet God's providence continually preserved him for the work of the Gospel. Paul's life exemplifies how divine protection enables the saints to fulfill their God-given missions.

Theological Implications

The providence of God in protecting the saints is a profound demonstration of His love, faithfulness, and sovereignty. It reassures believers of God's constant presence and care, encouraging them to trust in His plans and purposes. This divine protection does not imply a life free from trials or suffering, but rather the assurance that God is with His people, working all things for their ultimate good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

In summary, the providence of God in protecting the saints is a central theme in Scripture, offering comfort and hope to believers throughout the ages. Through His divine intervention, God ensures the preservation and perseverance of His people, enabling them to live out their faith with confidence and courage.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 91:4
He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings shall you trust: his truth shall be your shield and buckler.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 140:7
O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Civil Government.
... Herein is the goodness, power, and providence of God wondrously ... similar to this in
the power exercised in each ... knowing that, by the ordinance of God, they are ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... Our beloved young friend has, through the providence of God ... Evidently God has called
him to do a great work ... for his work's sake, and ever protecting him against ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

The Sower.
... of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (Hebrews ... business of life
becomes a protecting fence round ... by a stroke of God's providence that plucked ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/i the sower.htm

The Holy See and the Wandering of the Nations.
... of his tyranny, which led many to doubt even the providence of God, brought the ... in
the year 476, the Roman senate, at Odoacer's bidding, exercised for the ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter i the holy see.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... It was wisely ordered by Divine Providence, that before ... present and future good that
our God doth send ... of gospel-ordinances, and are not exercised with trials ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Justinian.
... the country under military occupation, but exercised their civil ... We are the ministers
of Providence for the ... honour of the commonwealth which God has entrusted ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter iv justinian.htm

part ii
... Divine Mysteries, that are the Lord God's constant and wonderful Providence for
saving ... authorities, as well as from the examples of all God's saints, who for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

part i
... his whole heart that God is true to Himself in His providence for even the ... God's
saints are near to believing hearts and, like the truest and kindest of friends ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm