Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of salvation is frequently illustrated by the metaphor of a shield, symbolizing protection, defense, and deliverance. This imagery is deeply rooted in the ancient context where a shield was an essential part of a warrior's armor, providing a safeguard against the enemy's attacks. The shield as a symbol of salvation underscores God's role as a protector and deliverer of His people.Old Testament References The metaphor of God as a shield is prevalent in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms and the writings of the patriarchs. In Genesis 15:1, God reassures Abram with the words, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Here, the shield represents God's promise of protection and blessing, emphasizing His covenantal faithfulness. The Psalms frequently employ this imagery to express trust in God's saving power. Psalm 18:2 declares, "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." This verse highlights the multifaceted nature of God's protection, with the shield being a central element of His saving grace. Psalm 28:7 further illustrates this concept: "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song." The shield here is a source of strength and a reason for rejoicing, as it signifies God's active role in the believer's life, providing help and security. New Testament Understanding While the New Testament does not frequently use the shield metaphor in the same way as the Old Testament, the concept of salvation as protection is still present. Ephesians 6:16 instructs believers to "take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." In this passage, the shield of faith is part of the full armor of God, symbolizing the believer's reliance on God's power to protect against spiritual attacks. The shield of faith in Ephesians underscores the New Testament emphasis on faith as the means of accessing God's salvation. It is through faith that believers are justified and protected from the ultimate consequences of sin, as articulated in Romans 5:9: "Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!" Theological Implications The illustration of salvation as a shield carries significant theological implications. It emphasizes God's initiative in providing protection and deliverance, highlighting His sovereignty and grace. The shield metaphor also underscores the believer's need for trust and reliance on God, as it is through faith that one experiences the fullness of His salvation. Moreover, the shield as a symbol of salvation points to the communal aspect of faith. In ancient warfare, shields were often used in formation, providing collective protection. Similarly, the community of believers is called to support and uphold one another in faith, as they collectively rely on God's saving power. In summary, the illustration of salvation by a shield in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of God's protective and redemptive nature. It calls believers to trust in His promises, rely on His strength, and stand firm in the faith, assured of His deliverance and eternal security. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 22:36You have also given me the shield of your salvation: and your gentleness has made me great. Nave's Topical Index Library Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians --The Epistle of ... The Songs of the Fugitive. Christ Teaching by Parables New Uses for Old Trophies Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists Adoption --The Spirit and the Cry Prophecies Fulfilled Conditions of Being Saved The Figurative Language of Scripture. Resources What is the plan of salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the steps to salvation? | GotQuestions.org How can you believe in salvation by faith alone when the only occurrence of 'faith alone' in the Bible (James 2:24) says that salvation is not by faith alone? | GotQuestions.org Salvation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Salvation is Deliverance From: Enemies Salvation is Deliverance From: Eternal Death Salvation is Deliverance From: Sin Salvation is Deliverance From: The Devil Salvation is Deliverance From: This Present Evil World Salvation is Deliverance From: Uncleanness Salvation is Deliverance From: Wrath Salvation is Far off from the Wicked Salvation is of the Appointment of God Salvation is of the Patience of God Salvation is of the Purpose of God Salvation is Through Faith in Christ Salvation of Israel, Predicted Salvation of the Gentiles, Predicted Salvation: All the Earth Shall See Salvation: Announced After the Fall Salvation: Came to the Gentiles Through the Fall of the Jews Salvation: Christ: Appointed For Salvation: Christ: Brings, With Him Salvation: Christ: Came to Effect Salvation: Christ: Died to Effect Salvation: Christ: Exalted to Give Salvation: Christ: Mighty to Effect Salvation: Christ: Raised up For Salvation: Christ: The Author of Salvation: Christ: The Captain of Salvation: Confession of Christ Necessary To Salvation: Final Perseverance Necessary To Salvation: from Generation to Generation Salvation: from Sin, to be Worked out With Fear and Trembling Salvation: God is Willing to Give Salvation: Godly Sorrow Works Repentance To Salvation: Illustrated by a Cup Salvation: Illustrated by a Helmet Salvation: Illustrated by a Horn Salvation: Illustrated by a Lamp Salvation: Illustrated by a Rock Salvation: Illustrated by a Shield Salvation: Illustrated by a Tower Salvation: Illustrated by a Victory Salvation: Illustrated by Chariots Salvation: Illustrated by Clothing Salvation: Illustrated by Typified by the Bronze Serpent Salvation: Illustrated by Walls and Bulwarks Salvation: Illustrated by Wells Salvation: Ministers are a Sweet Savour of Christ to God, in Those Who Obtain Salvation: Ministers: Give the Knowledge of Salvation: Ministers: should be Clothed In Salvation: Ministers: should Endure Suffering That the Elect May Obtain Salvation: Ministers: should Exhort To Salvation: Ministers: should Labour to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: should Use Self-Denial to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: Show the Way of Salvation: No Escape for Those Who Neglect Salvation: Preaching the Word is the Appointed Means of Salvation: Reconciliation to God, a Pledge of Salvation: Regeneration Necessary To Salvation: Revealed in the Gospel Salvation: Saints are Heirs of Salvation: Saints: Appointed to Obtain Salvation: Saints: Ascribe, to God Salvation: Saints: Beautified With Salvation: Saints: Clothed With Salvation: Saints: Commemorate, With Thanks Salvation: Saints: Daily Approach Nearer To Salvation: Saints: Earnestly Look For Salvation: Saints: Evidence, by Works Salvation: Saints: Have a Token of, in Their Patient Suffering for Christ Salvation: Saints: Have, Through Grace Salvation: Saints: Kept by the Power of God To Salvation: Saints: Praise God For Salvation: Saints: Pray for a Joyful Sense of Salvation: Saints: Pray for the Assurance of Salvation: Saints: Pray to be Visited With Salvation: Saints: Receive, As the End of Their Faith Salvation: Saints: Satisfied By Salvation: Saints: Welcome the Tidings of Salvation: Searched Into and Exhibited by the Prophets Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Earthly Power Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Idols Salvation: The Gospel is the Power of God To Salvation: The Heavenly Host Ascribe, to God Salvation: The Scriptures are Able to Make Wise To Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Salvation-having (1 Occurrence) |
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