What is biblical peace?
Introduction. 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.).
Peace is peculiarly identified with Jesus. Jesus said, "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). The instrument of peace was, "Preaching peace by Jesus Christ" (Acts 10: 36). Even plainer is Paul's statement to the Romans, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5: 1).
Peace is internal and involves man's participation. The early Christians were able to enjoy peace amid turmoil because peace is internal and does not depend on the external circumstances (Paul extended peace while in prison, Eph. 1: 2, 4: 1). Peace is obtained through the gospel; hence, we read, "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Eph. 6: 15). Peace is in knowing that sin is forgiven and that all is well with our soul (Acts 2: 38, 1 John 1: 7). Hence, division can prevail, but inwardly there can be peace (cp. Matt. 10: 34-39). However, 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).
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 (1 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).
Peace is peculiarly identified with Jesus. Jesus said, "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). The instrument of peace was, "Preaching peace by Jesus Christ" (Acts 10: 36). Even plainer is Paul's statement to the Romans, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5: 1).
Peace is internal and involves man's participation. The early Christians were able to enjoy peace amid turmoil because peace is internal and does not depend on the external circumstances (Paul extended peace while in prison, Eph. 1: 2, 4: 1). Peace is obtained through the gospel; hence, we read, "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Eph. 6: 15). Peace is in knowing that sin is forgiven and that all is well with our soul (Acts 2: 38, 1 John 1: 7). Hence, division can prevail, but inwardly there can be peace (cp. Matt. 10: 34-39). However, 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).
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 (1 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).