The theme of God's preservation of His afflicted saints is a profound and recurring motif throughout the Holy Scriptures. The Bible consistently affirms that God, in His infinite mercy and sovereignty, sustains and delivers those who are oppressed, troubled, or suffering for righteousness' sake. This entry explores the biblical basis for understanding how God preserves His afflicted saints, drawing from various passages and examples within the Scriptures.

Divine Assurance and Comfort

The Psalms frequently express the assurance of God's preservation amidst affliction. Psalm 34:19 declares, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all." This verse encapsulates the promise that, although the righteous may face numerous trials, God's deliverance is certain. The psalmist's confidence in God's saving power is a source of comfort for believers enduring hardship.

Similarly, Psalm 46:1 states, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." This passage reassures the faithful that God is not distant or indifferent but is actively present and providing strength during times of distress. The imagery of God as a refuge underscores His role as a protector and sustainer.

Examples of Preservation

The narrative of Joseph in the Book of Genesis serves as a powerful example of God's preservation. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned unjustly, Joseph remained faithful to God. Genesis 50:20 records Joseph's acknowledgment of God's providence: "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people." Joseph's account illustrates how God can use even adverse circumstances for His divine purposes and the ultimate good of His people.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often reflects on his own experiences of suffering and God's sustaining grace. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 , Paul writes, "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." Paul's testimony highlights the resilience and hope that come from God's preservation, even in the face of severe trials.

The Role of Faith and Obedience

The preservation of afflicted saints is closely linked to their faith and obedience to God. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter," recounts the accounts of numerous individuals who, through faith, endured hardships and received God's commendation. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes the necessity of faith: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

The Book of James also addresses the relationship between faith, perseverance, and divine preservation. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This passage underscores the blessedness and reward that await those who remain steadfast in their love and devotion to God despite afflictions.

God's Sovereign Purpose

The preservation of afflicted saints is ultimately rooted in God's sovereign purpose and His commitment to His covenant people. Romans 8:28 affirms, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This verse assures believers that their sufferings are not in vain but are intricately woven into God's redemptive plan.

In conclusion, the biblical witness is clear: God preserves His afflicted saints through His unfailing love, sovereign power, and divine purpose. The Scriptures provide both the assurance of His presence in times of trouble and the hope of ultimate deliverance and vindication.Psalm 34:20
He keeps all his bones: not one of them is broken.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Providence of God
... 2. If the godly were not sometimes afflicted, and suffered ... the Lord turns it to the
good of his saints. ... God by his providence preserves his church in the midst ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/14 the providence of god.htm

The Second Season
... are ordained as means of much spiritual good to saints. ... for me that I have been
afflicted," says David. ... by the loss of outward comforts God preserves your soul ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/ii the second season.htm

God's Barriers against Man's Sin
... Though he has afflicted you, you have sinned; though he has given you ... honour of God,
and against the gratitude they owe him, the saints of God have dared to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/gods barriers against mans sin.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... of the Apostles, to the worship of God and to ... we reject, though the memory of the
saints is profitable ... be observed when the Church is afflicted and oppressed. ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

On the Feast of St Mary Magdalene
... the Baptist, and Mary Magdalene, and other saints and patriarchs. ... and unites us to
God, and in God; how great ... thank all those who in any way afflicted or tried ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xv on the feast.htm

Why Men do not Attain Quickly to the Perfect Love of God. Of Four ...
... for it at once, as some of the saints have done ... is of wishing to converse in solitude
with God, and to ... to rejoice nor to be greatly afflicted, whether sweetness ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xi why men do.htm

City of God
... Of the Power Delegated to Demons for the Trial and Glorification of the Saints,
Who Conquer Not by Propitiating the Spirits of the Air, But by Abiding in God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... he saw his brother Benjamin, so all God's saints shall here ... even at the throne of
grace, where God's Benjamin, or ... O thou that are diseased, afflicted, and that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... be so held, which to some of the saints is a ... the sinner at first is by the Spirit
of God held in ... in the gospel to his poor, dejected, and afflicted conscience. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

In the Outer Court
... all would see Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. ... The defaced image of God
will be restored in humanity, and a family of believing saints will finally ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 68 in the outer.htm

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