Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of salvation is central, often depicted as deliverance from sin and its consequences through divine intervention. However, throughout Scripture, there are numerous instances where individuals and nations mistakenly seek salvation through earthly powers, only to find such efforts futile.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides several examples of Israel and other nations seeking deliverance through alliances and military might rather than relying on God. In Isaiah 31:1, the prophet warns, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the great strength of horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek the LORD!" This verse highlights the futility of seeking salvation through earthly means, emphasizing the need to trust in God alone. Similarly, in Jeremiah 2:18, the prophet questions, "Now what will you gain by traveling along the road to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile? What will you gain by traveling along the road to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates?" Here, the pursuit of political alliances with powerful nations is depicted as a vain attempt to secure safety and prosperity, ultimately leading to disappointment and judgment. New Testament Insights The New Testament continues this theme, illustrating the inadequacy of earthly power to provide true salvation. In John 18:36, Jesus declares, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm." This statement underscores the distinction between earthly power and the divine kingdom, where true salvation is found. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, contrasts the wisdom and power of the world with the message of the cross, which is "foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Paul emphasizes that reliance on human wisdom and strength is inadequate for salvation, which is only attainable through faith in Christ. Historical and Theological Reflections Throughout history, the temptation to seek salvation through earthly power has persisted. The biblical narrative consistently warns against this inclination, urging believers to place their trust in God rather than in human institutions or leaders. Theologically, this reflects the understanding that salvation is a divine gift, not something that can be achieved through human effort or political maneuvering. The Bible's portrayal of earthly power as insufficient for salvation serves as a reminder of the limitations of human authority and the necessity of divine intervention. It calls believers to a posture of faith and dependence on God, recognizing that true deliverance comes from Him alone. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 3:23Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library General Remarks on the History of Missions in this Age. Paul Before Nero Sovereignty and Salvation The Prayer of Stephen. Measureless Power and Endless Glory Napoleon Bonaparte. The Sufferings of Christ Reconciled with the Goodness of God. The Fulton St. Prayer Meeting. A Heavenly Pattern for Our Earthly Life Sermon for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity 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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