In this place, on this planet, there is every opportunity to be troubled. While the poorest of us are hit with horrendous weather and become the casualties of geography, others fight terminal cancers and diseases. While some battle with significant economic distress, others grieve the unforeseen and unfair loss of daughter, mother, father, and son. What kind of peace could there possibly be in this place, on this planet?
The word “peace”, used more than 90 times in the New Testament, comes from the word “eirene“. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testment gives 6 different but related meanings, the last two being, I think, the most significant:
- of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
- the blessed state of devout and upright men after death
Notice that there is a patience built into this kind of peace. This peace fears nothing from God, is content with its earthly lot, and hopes for the state of peace after death. We live now knowing that God is FOR us and not against us and therefore nothing of real significance can truly damage, wound, or destroy us in this life, and nothing can damage, wound, or destroy us in the life to come.
Of the 90 times “peace” is used, Luke uses it 13 times, Romans 10, and Ephesians 7. (John is the book that uses it the forth most.) For Paul, in his letter to the Romans, peace is the result of justification:
Rom. 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
And if it’s the result of justification, Spirit-filled believers have a peace mutually inclusive to life:
Rom. 8:6 “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Paul also expresses the deep need for peace between humans and God. We were desparately doomed to a hostile eternal destruction, save for Jesus:
Eph 2:14-15 “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.”
All this to say that the gospel is peace:
Eph 6:14-15 “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”
What struck me is the transcending power of this peace. It’s a peace that commands patience and requires eyes that look beyond now; it’s a peace with no inhibitions about pain; it’s a peace that will be thundered against by every power in the spiritual realm (Eph. 6:12)…. BUT this peace provides comfort in plans gone awry; this peace will cover our minds in chaos; this is the peace that will carry those through grief.
Jesus is peace. Peace is the gospel. Jesus is the gospel. Good news indeed!
What you’ll find here is a collection of musings, thoughts, writings, and ramblings about things I’m reading, watching, and thinking about. It’s my goal to inspire, encourage, and instruct my fellow sisters in their walk with Jesus and their understanding of the Word.
- Erika Recommends: Best Books of 2021 - December 15, 2021
- Slow-Going in the Fast Lane - October 14, 2021
- A Taste You Can Feel In Your Cheeks - September 29, 2021
