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Peace is a word with many definitions and therefore it may convey to your mind a different idea from that which is conveyed to mine.
While we may have different thoughts about peace, most of us are in agreement with regard to the need for more peace in this troubled
world in which we live. In this study let us approach peace from a biblical perspective. First, we shall consider peace as it exists between
God and man. Second, we shall look at the peace which exists between individuals. Third, let us consider that very important aspect of peace
peace within. In John Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress, the Pilgrim was laid in a large upper chamber which faced the rising sun, and
the name of that chamber was Peace. Most people feel both a desire and an urgent need to live and die in peace. Hopefully, in this study
we shall seek to attain more of it.
As previously outlined, we shall first consider the idea of peace with God. If we do not possess this peace, all other forms of peace will
probably prove to be meaningless. The reason we need peace with God is simply that we were all born into this world with a depraved
nature and as such we are all sinners (Rom. 5:12). Because of our depraved nature and sinful condition, we were the enemies of God.
Paul said, "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be
saved by His life" (Rom. 5:10).When enemies of God, we were dead in our sin (Eph. 2:1)and could not make peace with God; therefore,
Jesus interceded in our behalf. For this reason salvation must be by God's grace and not by human endeavors. By God's work of grace
we were saved and thereby brought to a peaceful relation with Him. This peace with God came to us through the person of the Son of
God. Jesus Christ died for our sins and, removing them, established peace between God and the sinner. The angels said, "...Glory to God
in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). When Jesus left heaven and came to this earth in the form of an infant,
God's peace was then on earth. As He grew to manhood and died for our sins (Mt. 1:21),He made peace. Paul said, "For he is our peace,
who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity,
even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace ..." (Eph. 2:14,15).
It was this peace of which Isaiah said, "Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us" (Is. 26:12).
This is the peace which Paul described, saying, "...We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ ..." (Rom. 5:1). We experienced
this peace as the fruit of the new birth (Gal. 5:22). Our peace with God through Christ is the great message of the gospel (Acts 10:36).
Let us be thankful daily for the peace He has made with us and made known to us through the gospel.
Having peace with God, we should more diligently endeavor to establish peaceful relationships with our fellow men. Achieving this
will necessitate doing more than merely speaking the words "Peace, Peace" Ger. 6:14).While we may have little or no control on effecting
a peaceful relation with other nations, we have ample control over the peace which exists between us and ~hose about us. Conflicts
between individuals like those between nations will continue as long as we speak of peace but harbor mischief and malice in our hearts
(Ps. 28:3). Since peace does not just happen, it should be sought by every born, again person. David said, "Depart from evil, and do good;
seek peace, and pursue it" (Ps. 34:14). Peter used almost the exact wording in the New Testament, saying, "...Let him eschew evil, and
do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it" (l Peter 3: 11). It is evident then that we must seek peace as a hidden treasure and that we must
pursue it as the desired game in the hunt. When people argue and strive over insignificant matters, it is obvious that they are not willing
to try very hard to find peace. Even among some church members an unimportant project may generate strife and confusion; it ought
not to be so. Paul said, "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace: and the God of love
and peace shall be with you:" (2 Cor. 13:11).If anyone in all the world should be able to work together and live in peace, church people
should. Although denominational lines are drawn because of various beliefs, we should still be able to have peace within the family of God.
Total agreement is not necessary for peace to exist. If we love one another, then we shall be able to disagree without conflict and still
enjoy peace.
It is our Christian duty not only to live at peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ but also to live at peace with all men whenever
it is possible. The Bible says, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Rom. 12:18).God Himself acknowledged
that some people will not cooperate and they thereby destroy all hopes for peace. But if peace is to exist in this world there are some
things which must be done/First, we must make a personal commitment to pursue the path of peace. We must be willing to follow peace
with all men (Heb 12:14).Paul said, "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify
another" (Rom. 14:19).We must carefully guard our words and deeds that they not be contentious. Second, we must be willing to become
instrumental in establishing peace between others who are now in conflict. We must be so firmly committed to the pursuit of peace that
we become counsellors of peace (Prov. 12:20).Did not our Lord Jesus bring peace between us and God the Father? Jesus also commands
us to do the same, for He said, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Mt. 5:9). We are also to make
peace with those with whom we have differences. We must not take the position, "They caused it; they must mend it." Jesus said,
"Moreover if thy brother shall tresspass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast
gained thy brother" (Mt. 18:15). We must take the initiative in establishing peace if we are to become peace makers. Even when there
is an impasse of minds, a peaceful spirit can prevail. Third, we are to pray for peace. David said, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they
shall prosper that love thee" (Ps. 122:6).When we have done all that is humanly possible to establish peaceful relations, then we should
pray that God will intervene and bring peace again. We should walk daily in the pathway of peace with the prayer of peace ever upon our
hearts (l Thes. 5:17).
Once we have peace with God and men, we can look forward to the enjoyment of wonderful peace within. It is an internal peace which
seems to emerge from a dual source: the doctrine of grace and deeds of godliness. Without either, this inward peace cannot be fully
experienced. On one hand we have peace through the doctrines of God's sovereign saving grace. If we cannot be sure of salvation, the
doubts and fears will daily rob us of this peace. The introductory remarks of the Epistles of Paul repeatedly make the connection
between grace and peace. He wrote, "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our
Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 1:7). On the other hand, even though we may embrace the doctrines of grace, if we fail to live
as we should, a troubled conscience will rob us of part of this peace. Notice Proverbs 3:1-2, "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart
keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." How could we possibly expect to receive this
blessing of peace (Ps. 29: 11) if we live our lives in disobedience to God and His Laws? Yet those who are humble before God and submissive
to His will shall have it in abundance. David said, "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance
of peace" (Ps. 37: 11). Those who love God's Laws and live by them are sure to gain this indwelling peace. Psalm 119:165 says, "Great peace
have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." In the New Testament this peace within is said to be enjoyed by those
who are spiritually-minded (Rom. 8:6) and is further described as a peace which surpasses understanding (Phil. 4:7). By believing God's
truth and living as God prescribed, we can enjoy this internal peace. (Ps. 4:8).
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