7. How does God describe the protection He provides for us? Psalm 3:3.
NOTE: ‘The law of ten commandments is not to be looked upon as much from the prohibitory side, as from the mercy side. Its prohibitions are the sure guarantee of happiness in obedience. As received in Christ, it works in us the purity of character that will bring joy to us through eternal ages. To the obedient it is a wall of protection. We behold in it the goodness of God, who by revealing to men the immutable principles of righteousness, seeks to shield them from the evils that result from transgression.’ Selected Messages, book 1, page 235.
8. What does the shield stand for? Psalm 91:4.
Compiler’s note: A buckler is a small round shield held by a handle or worn on the forearm. In the Bible, the word “buckler” carries profound significance, symbolising protection, safety, and divine defence..
NOTE: ‘Error darkens and fetters the mind; but the truth brings freedom to the soul, and gives light and life. “Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy word is truth.” This was the prayer of Jesus for His chosen ones, and He adds, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.” See John 17:17-20. Jesus, therefore, prayed to His Father that believers at the present time, as well as in past time, should be sanctified, not through the traditions and commandments of men, but THE TRUTH. Men talk in vain of sanctification outside of the truth. True charity [love] “rejoiceth in the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:6. The Psalmist describing the great day of the Lord, and the protection of the saints in that day, says, “He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust; His TRUTH shall be thy SHIELD and BUCKLER.” “Thy law is the TRUTH.” Psalm 119:142; Psalm 91:4. John, the beloved disciple that dwells so much on the subject of love, says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the TRUTH.” 3 John 4. “I rejoice greatly, that I found of thy children walking in truth.” 2 John 4.’ James White: Review & Herald, March 2, 1852.
9. What will protect us from the deceptions which surround us? 2 Thessalonians 2:10. Compare Ephesians 4:14-15.
NOTE: ‘Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures and who have received the love of the truth will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive. By the Bible testimony these will detect the deceiver in his disguise. To all the testing time will come. By the sifting of temptation the genuine Christian will be revealed. Are the people of God now so firmly established upon His word that they would not yield to the evidence of their senses? Would they, in such a crisis, cling to the Bible and the Bible only? Satan will, if possible, prevent them from obtaining a preparation to stand in that day. He will so arrange affairs as to hedge up their way, entangle them with earthly treasures, cause them to carry a heavy, wearisome burden, that their hearts may be overcharged with the cares of this life and the day of trial may come upon them as a thief.’ Darkness Before Dawn, page 42.