The word ‘Peace’ is naturally soothing as it often comes at the brink of or after the devastating effect of the antithesis. So peace, the condition that exists when nations or other groups are not fighting, is the desire of all sane persons.
We live in a time that appears like the precursor of Rev.6:4 when peace shall be taken from the earth. Howbeit, our message is not addressing peace between nations and groups but rather a quality. We shall be considering (A) PEACE FOR SAINTLY PILGRIMS (B) THE PEACE SIGNATURE.
Topic: Peace For Saintly Pilgrims
The Old Testament folks selectively experienced a limited measure of divine life termed life eternal/everlasting, which blossoms and blooms where there is unity (Ps.133:3). Unto them was revealed the coming of the Prince of Peace (Isa.9:6,7 – Shalom means safe i.e. (fig) well, happy, friendly; (abstractly) welfare i.e. health, prosperity, peace. It covers the spectrum of tranquility and security); Who is the Custodian of peace as revealed in the prophecy of Zacharias, John the Baptist’s father and by the proclaiming angels (Lk.1:76-79; 2:10-14).
At the onset of the Custodian ministry, He announced that He came with the purpose of unleashing abundance of divine life (Jn.10:10). It should be noted that inherent in divine life, is the capacity to birth peace. This, He gave to His disciples, who in turn had the privilege of distributing likewise (Matt.10:11-14; LK.10:3-6; Jn.14:27; 16:33).
The Greek word Eirene (pronounced i-ray nay) translated ‘peace’ describes harmonious relationship between parties; friendliness, freedom from molestation, order. It covers a sense of rest and contentment consequent thereon.(Lk.1:79; Rom.1:7).
The Lord’s first advent as a Lamb was not for global peace but for peace of the worthy/saints (Matt.10:34-37; Jn.14:27) but His second shall bring it, by a high Hand (Isa.9:6-7; Zech.14:15-20).
Peace is that indescribable calmness that pervades the heart after the salvation of an erstwhile sinner, and is sustained as the saint implicitly trusts the Lord (Jn.16:33; Phil.4:6-7; Pro.4:23). It is a product of Christ’s sacrificial death (Isa.53:5; Rom.5:1) by which He became our PEACE (Eph.2:14) and the Lord of peace (2Thess.3:16; Isa.9:6).
This symbolic supernatural tranquility that emanates from the recreated spirit following reconciliation with God gave rise to the appellation ‘gospel of peace’ (Eph.6:15; Rom.10:15) and was the focus of the early church (Acts 10:36; Rom.15:13,33; 1Cor.1:3; 14:33; Gal.1:3; Phil.4:9).
As with other virtues or product of the Spirit, peace grows (Gal.5:22; 1Pet.1:2; 2Pet.1:2; Jude 2).
Peace creates an ambient/environment for the cultivation and development of other virtues/fruit of the Spirit, as it gives an enabling environment for receiving directions from God Who often speaks quietly (con. 1Kgs.19:12,13; cp. Phil.4:6,7).
The saint must be a seeker of peace with others and also master the retention of peace within (Matt.5:9; Rom.12:18; Heb.12:14; Prov.4:23; Matt.6:25,31; Phil.4:8).
Peace is consolidated by following the way of peace which is principally LOVE expressed in obedience to God’s word and doing God’s will (Ps.119:165; Lk.19:42; Rom.3:17; 8:6).
Therefore, let the sinner grab the peace of God by repentance from sin and faith in Christ (Ps.51:2-5,17; Pro.28:13, Heb.6:1). While the saint grows his peace by the reorientation of his mind: detaching from worry and anxiety; declining from fleshly/selfish living; and aligning with the Lord to grow His love as he does His will (Matt.6:25,31,34; Rom.8:6, Gal.5:22; Phil.4:6,7).