What is Biblical Peace?

 

     Introduction:   Men desperately need and seek peace, but often in the wrong sources (drugs, self-deception, false religion, etc.). It was prophesied that Jesus would be "the Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9: 6). True peace emanates from God to the point that God is said to be "the God of peace" (Rom. 15: 33). The peace of God is such that it "passeth all understanding" (Phili. 4: 7). God's peace is able to "keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Ibid.).

I. Peace is peculiarly identified with Jesus.

  A. Jesus is seen as the author of the peace in this final age (Jn. 14: 27).

  B. The instrument of peace was, "Preaching peace by Jesus Christ" (Acts 10: 36).

  C. Even plainer is Paul's statement to the Romans (Rom. 5: 1).

II. Peace is internal and involves man's participation.

  A. The early Christians were able to enjoy peace amid turmoil because peace is internal and does not depend on the external circumstances (Eph. 1: 2, 4: 1, cp. Matt. 10: 34-39).

  B. Peace is obtained through the gospel; hence, we read, "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Eph. 6: 15, cp. 2 Cor. 5: 18-21).

  C. Peace does not come without effort. The scriptures admonish the Christian thus, "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace" (Rom. 14: 19).

III. The stimulus for biblical peace.

  A. Peace is in knowing that sin is forgiven and that all is well with our soul (Acts 2: 38, I Jn. 1: 7).

  B. Peace is the result of complying with the scriptures in cases of personal sin and alienation (Matt. 5: 24; 18: 15-17, Lk. 17: 3, 4, cp. Rom. 12: 18, 2 Thes. 3: 2).

  C. Peace is experienced when we have done what we can (cp. 2 Tim. 4: 6-8, Acts 20: 26, 27).

     Conclusion: It is tragic that even though peace is available through Christ, "And the way of peace have they not known" (Rom. 3: 17). There is also a false peace that deceives some (I Thes. 5: 3). Biblical peace involves and is a product of being spiritually minded. "For to be carnally minded is death," Paul wrote, "but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Rom. 8: 6).