Peace

2019-12-23

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1)

Peace Originates with God

Justification is a legal declaration by God. He declared us righteous solely based on Jesus’ sacrifice the hour we believed. As a result, “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” We did not initiate this peace; we have peace with God because He made that peace. The gospel is called the “gospel of peace” (Romans 10:15; Ephesians 6:15) because Jesus is God’s eternal peace offering with humankind.

Jesus tells us, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). This peace that Jesus gave us is “not as the world giveth,” which means that He gives us peace with no strings attached. Therefore, there is no place for our fear in our circumstances. Having peace with God should cause all doubt and fear to subside.

We read more about Jesus being God’s peace toward men in Peter’s preaching to Cornelius, “The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all)” (Acts 10:36). Since Jesus Christ is Lord of all, He can give us peace.

The Bible calls God the Father the “God of peace” (Romans 15:33; 16:20; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Hebrews 13:20). The angels, when announcing the arrival of the Savior, proclaim, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

We have this peace with God; it is unconditional.

Trusting God’s Promise of Peace Brings Experiential Peace

Though we may have peace which comes from God down to us, we ourselves might not experience this peace. However, the Word of God gives us peace when we hear and believe it. Jesus tells us a little bit later, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Again, “this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). In a world where we are promised tribulation and suffering, He promises to give us peace amid tribulation.