Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of being "kept by the power of God unto salvation" is a profound theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the divine protection and preservation of believers through God's omnipotent power. This doctrine assures Christians of their secure position in Christ, sustained by God's unwavering strength and faithfulness.
Biblical FoundationThe primary scriptural basis for this doctrine is found in
1 Peter 1:3-5, which states: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time" . This passage highlights the believer's new birth and the living hope that comes through Christ's resurrection, underscoring the security provided by God's power.
Divine ProtectionThe phrase "shielded by God’s power" conveys the idea of divine protection. The Greek word used here, "phroureo," implies a military guard or garrison, suggesting that believers are under constant divine surveillance and protection. This protection is not passive but active, ensuring that the believer is preserved until the final revelation of salvation.
Faith and God's PowerThe relationship between faith and God's power is crucial in understanding this doctrine. While God's power is the ultimate source of security, faith is the means by which believers access and experience this divine protection.
Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" . Faith is both a gift and a response, enabling believers to trust in God's power for their salvation.
Eternal SecurityThe assurance of being kept by God's power is closely linked to the doctrine of eternal security.
John 10:28-29 provides further insight: "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 My Father’s hand" . This passage emphasizes the unassailable grip of both the Son and the Father on the believer, reinforcing the certainty of eternal life.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the believer's preservation.
Ephesians 1:13-14 describes the Holy Spirit as a seal and a guarantee: "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory" . The Spirit's indwelling presence is a continual reminder and assurance of the believer's secure status in Christ.
Perseverance and AssuranceWhile God's power ensures the believer's security, the doctrine of perseverance emphasizes the believer's continued faith and growth in holiness.
Philippians 1:6 expresses confidence in God's ongoing work: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" . This verse assures believers that God's power not only initiates salvation but also sustains and completes it.
ConclusionThe power of God, as the ultimate source of security and preservation, assures believers of their salvation and eternal inheritance. Through faith, divine protection, and the work of the Holy Spirit, Christians are kept by God's power, confident in the promise of eternal life and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Peter 1:5Who are kept by the power of God through faith to salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Kept by the Power of God
... reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation." The words of my text are: "Kept by the power of God through faith." ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/kept by the power of.htm
By, Through, Unto
... Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the
last time.'"1 Peter 1:5. ... We 'are kept in the power of God unto salvation.'. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/by through unto.htm
Keeping and Kept
... of life.'"Proverbs 4:23. 'Kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation.'"1 PETER 5. The former of these texts imposes ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/keeping and kept.htm
Our Lord's Sacerdotal Prayer
... "Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.". He places us in the arms
of His Father, on the boom of His Father, and in the heart of His Father. ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/xi our lords sacerdotal prayer.htm
The Gospel the Power of God
... not meant to be drunk; it is meant to be kept in the ... shall soon find out that there
is only one power, one name ... who is even at the right hand of God, and also ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the gospel the power of.htm
The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Salvation
... no one can believe except it were given him from above;' nor yet because he holds
out faithful to the end, for we are kept by the power of God.' It is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the godhood of god/4 the absolute godhood of.htm
The New Hampshire Baptist Confession. AD 1833.
... superficial professors; [2120] that a special Providence watches over their welfare;
[2121] and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. ...
/.../the new hampshire baptist confession.htm
Purifying the Soul
... For instance, in this very chapter, to pass over other examples, we read, 'Kept
by' (or in) 'the power of God through faith unto salvation.' So, for my present ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/purifying the soul.htm
Your Own Salvation
... "Your own salvation" shall be secured by that one simple act of faith; and henceforward,
kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, you shall tread ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/your own salvation.htm
Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
... not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5. Who are kept by the power of God through
faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time: 6. Wherein ye ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlviii perseverance of the.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about the power of words? | GotQuestions.orgHow much power does Satan possess? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the power of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPower: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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