Divine Protection in Scripture and Christian Experience

Divine Protection in Scripture

The concept of divine protection is deeply rooted in Scripture, with numerous passages affirming God's role as a guardian and defender of his people. In Psalms 7:10, the psalmist declares, "My defence is in God, who preserueth the vpright in heart" ^[1]. This theme is echoed throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing God's faithfulness and ability to protect those who trust in him.

Biblical Foundations

Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights several key aspects of divine protection, including its ability to be afforded through means that appear inadequate ^[2]. For instance, the biblical account of Gideon's victory over the Midianites demonstrates how God can achieve great things through seemingly insufficient resources (Jdj 7:7). Similarly, David's triumph over Goliath showcases God's power to deliver his people through unexpected means (1Sa 17:45, 50) ^[2].

The New Testament also underscores the theme of divine protection. In 1 Peter 1:5, believers are described as being "guarded through faith to a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" ^[3]. This passage emphasizes the ongoing nature of God's protection, which extends from the present into the future.

Nature and Extent of Divine Protection

According to Reformed theologian John Calvin, God's protection is not limited by external circumstances but is instead guided by his sovereign will ^[8]. Calvin notes that God employs various means to manifest his power and provide for the safety of his people. However, he also emphasizes that God's protection is not dependent on these means, as he can accomplish his purposes through a single act of his will.

The extent of divine protection is a subject of theological debate. Charles Hodge, one theologian, argues that God's protection is not universal but is instead limited to those who are truly believers ^[6]. In contrast, some traditions interpret divine protection as being more broadly applicable, encompassing both believers and non-believers.

Assurance and Experience

The experience of divine protection is closely tied to the concept of assurance. Torrey's Topical Textbook lists various aspects of assurance, including the confidence that comes from faith, hope, and love ^[4]. The assurance of divine protection is also linked to the understanding of God's character and his faithfulness to his promises.

Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist/Puritan commentator, notes that God's protection is a source of comfort and strength for believers ^[9]. He observes that David, in Psalm 119:114, finds comfort in God's protection, recognizing him as both a "hiding-place" and a "shield." This imagery underscores the comprehensive nature of God's protection, which encompasses both spiritual and temporal aspects.

Historical and Theological Perspectives

The understanding of divine protection has evolved throughout Christian history. The early church fathers, such as Hippolytus and Cyprian, interpreted divine protection in the context of God's majesty and power ^[10]. They saw God's protection as being closely tied to his providential care and his ability to intervene in human affairs.

In Reformed theology, the doctrine of predestination is closely linked to the concept of divine protection. According to Charles Hodge, God's predestinating purpose is a source of assurance for believers, as it underscores his commitment to their salvation ^{[5, 7]}. This perspective emphasizes the sovereignty of God in protecting his people.

Conclusion

The concept of divine protection is a rich and multifaceted theme in Scripture and Christian theology. While different traditions may interpret the nature and extent of divine protection in varying ways, there is a broad consensus on its importance for the life of faith. As believers continue to experience God's protection in their lives, they are reminded of his faithfulness and power, and are encouraged to trust in him with confidence.

Sources

Psalms “Psalms 7:10 (Geneva1599) — My defence is in God, who preserueth the vpright in heart.”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Protection — God is able to afford -- 1Pe 1:5; Jude 1:24. God is faithful to afford -- 1Th 5:23,24; 2Th 3:3. Of God is Indispensable. -- Ps 127:1. Seasonable. -- Ps 46:1. Unfailing. -- De 31:6; Jos 1:5. Effectual. -- Joh 10:28-30; 2Co 12:9. Uninterrupted. -- Ps 121:3. Encouraging. -- Isa 41:10; 50:7. Perpetual. -- Ps 121:8. Often afforded through means inadequate in themselves. -- Jdj 7:7; 1Sa 17:45,50; 2Ch 14:11. Is afforded to Those who hearken to God. -- Pr 1:33. Returning sinners. -- Job 22:23,25. The perfect in heart. -- 2Ch 16:9. The poor. -- Ps 14:6; 72:12-14.”
I Peter “I Peter 1:5 (LITV) — by the power of God, having been guarded through faith to a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time;”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Assurance — Produced by faith -- Eph 3:12; 2Ti 1:12; Heb 10:22. Made full by hope -- Heb 6:11,19. Confirmed by love -- 1Jo 3:14,19; 4:18. Is the effect of righteousness -- Isa 32:17. Is abundant in the understanding of the gospel -- Col 2:2; 1Th 1:5. Saints privileged to have, of Their election. -- Ps 4:3; 1Th 1:4. Their redemption. -- Job 19:25. Their adoption. -- Ro 8:16; 1Jo 3:2. Their salvation. -- Isa 12:2. Eternal life. -- 1Jo 5:13. The unalienable love of God. -- Ro 8:38,39. Union with God and Christ. -- 1Co 6:15; 2Co 13:5; Eph 5:30; 1Jo 2:5; 4:13. Peace with ”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Predestination — This word is properly used only with reference to God's plan or purpose of salvation. The Greek word rendered "predestinate" is found only in these six passages, Acts 4:28; Rom. 8:29, 30; 1 Cor. 2:7; Eph. 1:5, 11; and in all of them it has the same meaning. They teach that the eternal, sovereign, immutable, and unconditional decree or "determinate purpose" of God governs all events. This doctrine of predestination or election is beset with many difficulties. It belongs to the "secret things" of God. But if we take the revealed word of God as our guid”
CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 1, section 30: known to them. Contrary to the Facts of Experience . 3. The doctrine in question is no less contrary to fact than it is to Scripture. The doctrine teaches that by the inward revelation of the Spirit saving knowledge of truth and duty is given to every man. But all experience shows that without the written Word, men everywhere and in all ages, are ignorant of divine things, — without God, without Christ, and without hope in the world. The sun is not more obviously the source of light, than the Bible is the source of divine knowledge. The a”
CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 103: Scriptures teach that man is a fallen being, that he is guilty and defiled by sin, that he is utterly unable to free himself from the burden and power of sin, that he is dependent on the grace of God and the power of the Spirit, if these truths are inwrought into the experience of all true believers. In like manner, if all Christians trust in Christ for their salvation; if they look to Him as their substitute, obeying and suffering in their stead, bearing their sins, sustaining the curse of the law in their place; if they regard Him as t”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 30: wont to employ it in manifesting his power, providing for the safety of his people, and imparting the gifts of his beneficence. This he certainly does not from necessity, as if he were unable to dispense with them. Whenever he pleases, he passes them by, and performs his own work by a single nod: so far are they from relieving him of any difficulty. Therefore, when he employs them it is as a help to our weakness, that nothing may be wanting to elevate our hopes or strengthen our confidence. It ought, indeed, to be sufficient for us”
Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:114: Here is, 1. God's care of David to protect and defend him, which he comforted himself with when his enemies were very malicious against him: Thou art my hiding-place and my shield. David, when Saul pursued him, often betook himself to close places for shelter; in war he guarded himself with his shield. Now God was both these to him, a hiding-place to preserve him from danger and a shield to preserve him in danger, his life from death and his soul from sin. Good people are safe under God's protection. He is their strength and their shield, their help and their s”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 5: Hippolytus, Cyprian, Caius, Novatian — CHAP. VI. ARGUMENT.-- AND THAT, ALTHOUGH SCRIPTURE OFTEN CHANGES THE DIVINE APPEARANCE INTO A HUMAN FORM, YET THE MEASURE OF THE DIVINE MAJESTY IS NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THESE LINEAMENTS OF OUR BODILY NA (part 1): And although the heavenly Scripture often turns the divine appearance into a human form,--as when it says, "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous;"(1) or when it says, "The Lord God smelled the smell of a good savour;"(2) or when there are given to Moses the tables "written with the finger of God;"(3) or when the people of the chil”

Ask Your Own Question