Peace of God… God of Peace

Peace be with you... Shalom... Salamu A`leko... Many societies still begin their conversations with this kind of greeting, and all of us dream and strive for peace. But... if we are far away and at enmity with God, the source of peace, is it possible to know the way to peace, let alone making peace?!

We may have a temporary or even illusory peace that is quickly overturned or faded by circumstances. Thus, the Bible relates to sinners saying: "Peace, peace, but there is no peace… While they are saying, peace and safety! then sudden destruction will come upon them… no peace for the wicked, says the Lord" (Jer. 6:14; 1 Thess. 5:3; Is. 48:22).

Thanks be to God who has brought safety and peace to all who have believed in Him, changed their path, and followed Him.

“Shalom”, the Hebrew word for peace means safety, completeness, well-being and the corresponding Greek word, "eirene", means properly, wholeness and occurs in every book of the NT (except for 1st John).

The two divine sides of peace:

 1. Peace with God: Peace is received primarily through faith in Jesus Christ, who is our peace, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two, one new person, in this way establishing peace" (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14, 15).

First, we have peace with God, founded on the perfection of Christ's redemptive work for us. We were enemies of God, and the Lord Jesus reconciled us through the cross, making peace. It is the peace of a clear, purified conscience, as Christ has removed the burden of sins and bore them himself on the cross.

2. Peace of God: As the enmity with God has vanished, He Himself also offers us His personal peace, as Christ said: “Peace, I leave you, my peace I give you” (Jn. 14:27). It is the peace of the heart despite all the problems and turmoil of the evil world. The Bible defines it as “the peace of God” that surpasses all comprehension and describes its work which “will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7). What a blessing to enjoy God’s own peace. It is also called “the peace of Christ” (Col. 3:15) i.e., the same kind of peace that filled the heart of Christ when He lived on our earth and on the throne of God. Simply, whenever my heart enjoys Christ and my mind is occupied with Him, God's peace pervades my entire being.

The God of Peace

Do we live in peace and confidence, surrendering our hearts and minds each day to the God of peace who promised to be with us? (2 Cor. 13:11) This gracious promise refreshes the soul, for the presence of the God of peace with us is real, and His work is evident in three areas of our lives:

A.      Is with us and will soon crush Satan under our feet (Rom. 15:33, 16:20).

B.      Equips us in every good thing to do His will (Heb. 13:20-21).

C.      Guides us to a life dedicated to Him (1 Thess. 5:23).

The God of peace wants you to experience His peace constantly and He “continually grants you peace in every way" (2 Thess. 3:16). He is also the prince of peace, able to provide us with the necessary strength for a decent life in this world.

Do we seek peace daily? May we have confidence in His promise: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Is. 26:3)!

Peace: Where, when and with whom?

The God of peace is stronger than circumstances, and He wants to show His amazing peace in and despite all circumstances. Now, where, when and with whom is His peace seen?

1.       In every situation: Material or social conditions do not shake the believer’s steadfast peace, for it is spiritual peace, not material nor changeable (Pro. 17:1). It is comforting that even when a believer dies, he rests in peace: “the righteous person is taken away from evil, he enters into peace” (Is. 57:1, 2).

2.       At all times: Peace appears in every aspect of the faithful believer’s life and tranquility pervades him day and night, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Ps. 4:8). How sweet that we can always enjoy the abundance of His deep peace, like a flowing river (Ps. 119:165; Is. 48:18).

3.       With everybody: The trusting believer lives and deals comfortably with everyone around, and is reminded that “God is not a God of confusion, but of peace… When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (1 Cor. 14:33; Pro. 16:7).

Blessed be our great God, who has brought us peace and blesses His people with peace (Ps. 29:11).

May we entrust ourselves to the God of peace and keep our hearts filled with His peace and prepare our paths to make peace and spread it to those far and near. Let`s begin to make peace…real peace!