Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of trust in the Scriptures is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the relationship between the saints and God. Trust is depicted as a fundamental aspect of faith, where believers rely on God's promises, His character, and His divine plan. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the importance of trust for the saints.
Old Testament FoundationsIn the Old Testament, trust in God is often portrayed through the lives of the patriarchs, prophets, and the nation of Israel. Abraham, known as the father of faith, exemplifies trust in God when he obeys God's call to leave his homeland and later when he is willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, trusting in God's promise (
Genesis 12:1-4; 22:1-14). The psalmists frequently express trust in God as a refuge and strength.
Psalm 56:3-4 states, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
The prophets also emphasize trust in God, often contrasting it with the futility of trusting in idols or human strength.
Isaiah 26:3-4 declares, "You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal."
New Testament TeachingsIn the New Testament, trust in God is deepened through the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself calls for trust in God and in His own words. In
John 14:1 , Jesus comforts His disciples, saying, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me." The Apostle Paul further elaborates on trust in God through faith in Christ, emphasizing that believers are justified by faith and live by faith (
Romans 1:17;
Galatians 2:20).
The early church is depicted as a community that trusts in God's provision and guidance. In
Acts 4:24-31, the believers pray for boldness, trusting in God's sovereignty despite persecution. The Apostle Peter encourages believers to cast all their anxieties on God, because He cares for them (
1 Peter 5:7).
Practical Implications for BelieversTrust in the Scriptures is not merely an abstract concept but has practical implications for the lives of believers. It involves a confident reliance on God's promises and His faithfulness.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Trusting in God also means surrendering control and acknowledging His sovereignty. It requires believers to have faith in God's timing and His plans, even when circumstances are challenging or unclear.
Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter," provides numerous examples of saints who trusted in God despite not receiving the promises in their lifetime, demonstrating that trust is an enduring commitment to God's ultimate purpose.
ConclusionThe Scriptures consistently call the saints to trust in God, presenting it as an essential element of a faithful life. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, believers are encouraged to place their trust in God's character, His promises, and His eternal plan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 119:42So shall I have with which to answer him that reproaches me: for I trust in your word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Twenty-First Article they Absolutely Condemn, Because we do ...
... made equal to Christ if we must trust that we ... to resort to the aid of the saints,
been instituted by ... Let him produce an example or command from the Scriptures. ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 26 the twenty-first article.htm
The Immortal Prayers of the Saints
... The prayers recorded in the Holy Scriptures are an immortal ... odours, which are the
prayers of the saints," shall be ... "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 13 the immortal prayers.htm
Perseverance of Saints.
... If, as I trust, it has been found to be ... and unequivocally teach that some true saints
have been ... showing will sufficiently vindicate the scriptures against the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm
On the Invocation of Saints
... properties are proposed to us in the Scriptures in a ... felicity for ourselves, while
we hope and trust that we ... In the invocation of saints, do the papists commit ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 24 on the invocation.htm
Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures.
... I pray to Him, and trust Him, my ... all mischiefs by the lack of personal acquaintance
with the Scriptures. ... We gather that the disciples are saints, [Greek: hagioi ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter iii secret study of.htm
How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... in readiness, either in memory or writing, some scriptures, containing the descriptions
of the saints and the ... Trust not to this one discovery, so as to try ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm
Saints, Sages, and Saviors: the Law of Service
... can possibly do, and that now he must trust to the ... The saints, sages, and saviors
of all time are they who ... All the Scriptures of the world are framed to teach ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/saints sages and saviors the.htm
On the Animals
... be the Holy Spirit in truth, when high scriptures or hidden ... You do not take the wild
beasts into your trust. ... The stag is Christ, or the saints; as a deer longs ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/iv on the animals.htm
Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ...
... we both labour and suffer reproach because we trust in the ... religion which is delivered
in the Scriptures, and which ... not by false prophets, but by saints: as if ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/of passages from the holy.htm
Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... Further, I make a question upon three scriptures, Whether all the saints,
even in the primitive times, were baptized with water? ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm
Resources
Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is sola scriptura? | GotQuestions.orgShould Catholic tradition have equal or greater authority than the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgScriptures: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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