Peace
The word "peace" in the Bible, from the Greek word (eireinei),
refers to a mental attitude of tranquillity based on a relationship
with God in the Christian Way of Life. It is a word which describes
the result of a person's correct response to God's Grace.
The Bible uses "peace" in two ways. There is personal
peace with God which comes when a person accepts Jesus Christ
as Saviour. Then, there is the peace of God which is available
on a daily basis as the believer participates in the Christian
way of life according to the Plan of God.
So, where you find peace mentioned in the Bible it refers either
to the reconciliation of a Christian in salvation, as in Eph.
2:14,17, or to the mental attitude found in the believers.
2 Tim. 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but
of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
PEACE WITH GOD - Peace in Salvation
Peace with God is never available apart from Grace. The Cross
of Christ is the focal point of Grace and is the source of Peace.
Jesus Christ is our eternal Peace.
Romans 5:1 "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
God in Grace removed the Barrier and made peace between man and
God. So, when the unbeliever responds to Grace by faith, the result
is Peace.
Ephesians 2:14-18 provides a good illustration of how God made
it possible for anyone to have peace with God, with special emphasis
on the fact that such different types as Jews and Gentiles have
been provided for.
Verse 14 deals with peace as a product of reconciliation. Verse
15 explains that the "enmity" between God and man, that
which we call the Barrier, was "abolished" once and
for all. Verses 16 to 18 explain that the enmity has been slain
for both Jews and Gentiles so that now those who were near to
God, the Jews, and those who were far off, non-Jews, have been
brought into union with Christ through the baptism of the Holy
Spirit.
Peace in the Christian Way of Life
In our lifetime we can experience Peace on a daily basis. When
the believer responds by faith to Grace, God provides many blessings
which can result in great inner happiness.
Isaiah 26:3,4 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose
mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye
in the Lord forever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."
In the Christian Way of life, peace comes through fellowship with
God and daily growth, advancement in spiritual things which brings
stability, a relaxed mental attitude, orientation to the plan
of God, occupation with Christ, and the ability to employ faith-rest
principles in all areas of life.
Philippians 4:6-9 "Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests
be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all
understanding, shall keep (garrison) your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things
are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are
of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise,
think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard,
and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
Peace, or tranquillity, precedes the enjoyment of prosperity.
It is part of the preparation for prosperity. One must have Peace
to have the capacity for prosperity. God may hold prosperity back
until there is the capacity to enjoy it.
Acts 9:31 "Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea
and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the
fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, were
multiplied."
READ Jeremiah 29:1-7
Any loss of peace is followed by adjustment to the plan of God
(confession and restoration to fellowship), faith-rest, and relaxed
mental attitude, and Peace in the new situation.
The man or woman who receive grace and peace from the Lord is
in perfect position for spiritual production, and reproduction.
READ James 3:13-18.