Topical Encyclopedia
ProtectionThe concept of God's protection is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating His role as a refuge and shield for His people. This divine protection is often depicted as both physical and spiritual, encompassing deliverance from enemies, safety in times of danger, and preservation from evil.
In the Old Testament, God's protection is vividly portrayed in the Psalms.
Psalm 91:1-2 declares, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" This passage emphasizes the security found in God's presence, suggesting that those who seek Him earnestly will find safety under His care.
The narrative of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt is another powerful example of divine protection. God safeguarded His people from the plagues that afflicted Egypt (
Exodus 12:13) and parted the Red Sea to deliver them from Pharaoh's army (
Exodus 14:21-22). These acts of protection underscore God's commitment to His covenant people and His power to save.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies God's protective nature. In
John 10:28-29 , Jesus assures His followers, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand." This promise of eternal security highlights the spiritual protection offered through faith in Christ.
JusticeGod's justice is a fundamental attribute of His character, reflecting His righteousness and moral perfection. The Bible consistently portrays God as a just judge who upholds the law, punishes wickedness, and vindicates the righteous.
In the Old Testament, God's justice is evident in His dealings with nations and individuals.
Deuteronomy 32:4 proclaims, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." This verse affirms that God's actions are inherently just, rooted in His unchanging nature.
The prophets frequently called attention to God's justice, urging Israel to reflect His character in their own lives.
Micah 6:8 encapsulates this call: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Here, justice is not only a divine attribute but also a moral imperative for God's people.
In the New Testament, the theme of justice is central to the message of the Gospel.
Romans 3:25-26 explains how God's justice and mercy converge in the person of Jesus Christ: "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus." Through Christ's sacrificial death, God upholds His justice while providing a means for sinners to be justified.
The final judgment, as described in Revelation, further underscores God's commitment to justice.
Revelation 20:12 states, "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and there were open books. And one of them was the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books." This eschatological vision assures believers that ultimate justice will be served, with God rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked.
In summary, God's protection and justice are integral aspects of His divine nature, offering believers both comfort and a call to live in accordance with His righteous standards. Through His protective care and just governance, God demonstrates His sovereignty and faithfulness to His people.