Spiritual peace
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:19-20 (NIVUK)
Spiritual peace comes from a two-way relationship between God and humanity. Although interconnected, the Bible makes a distinction between peace with God and the peace of God. Peace with God leads to the peace of God, and both come through Jesus Christ who was born the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
As the header scripture states, God not only willed, but was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Jesus Christ: God personified. Jesus, the creator and sustainer of the universe, was able to reconcile to himself, and make peace with the whole of his creation, including all humanity, through his sacrifice on the cross.
The death of Jesus on the cross has opened the way of salvation for sinners. Sinful humanity can only have a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus and acceptance of what he has already done for us, as the apostle Paul wrote, ‘Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.’ (Romans 5:1-2).
Jesus is the one who gives us peace with God, that is why the message of salvation in Christ is called the ‘gospel of peace’ (Ephesians 6:15).
One aspect of the peace of God comes from the assurance of salvation. Certainty of salvation comes only from trusting in the work of Jesus Christ, and not our own works which can never be good enough.
Like all humanity, Christians are affected by, and feel the threefold influences of the world, the flesh, and Satan and his demons. But, as the apostle Peter wrote, ‘Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.’ (2 Peter 1:2). In an evil world the peace of God is found, not in external circumstances, but in knowing Jesus and trusting him to see us through the inevitable trials and hardships of this life, and knowing that through grace ‘…the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Romans 6:23).
Prayer
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. Amen.
Study by Eddie Marsh
About the writer:
Eddie Marsh attends the Sheffield congregation of Grace Communion International.
Local congregation:
Please email the local congregational contact (see below) for information about the Sheffield congregation’s meeting venue and time.
Local congregational contact:
Email: sheffield@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church