It is precious, wonderful, and at times, rare. The world longs for peace but it always seems to be elusive. It is said of the Ottoman Turkish Empire (1300-1922) that there were only 24 consecutive years of peace throughout its entire history; otherwise, they were either fighting to take territory or to retain it.
While the world survived two world wars and a cold war, today there remain global hotspots, particularly in Asia, that are like dry tinder in a hot summer. One misguided spark and the region, if not the world, could go up in flames.
Add to that how even in the relatively prosperous and peaceful western world, many people lack personal peace, even as Christians. Be assured, this is not God’s will and He does have the best way forward.
In Part One, we learned that God has peace that surpasses all understanding. It is freely given, universal in scope, and eternal in duration. We learned that the pre-requisite to receiving this peace is to make a decision to obey Jesus’ command: don’t let your heart be troubled or afraid (John 14:27).
Here in Part Two, we want to learn how to establish God’s peace in your life.
In regard to the cause of conflict, even war, we need not go any further than the Book of James:
James 4:1-3 (MEV): Where do wars and fights among you come from? Do they not come from your lusts that war in your body? 2 You lust and do not have, so you kill. You desire to have and cannot obtain. you fight and war. Yet you do not have, because you do not ask. 3. You ask, and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your passions.
Bad as this – that our lusts cause conflict and war – there is something even worse. Humanity is serious danger of incurring the wrath of God, in part because of the lusts, greed, and sin. The Book of Romans says that God’s wrath is being stored up against all ungodliness and unrighteousness (1:18), hardness and impenitent hearts (2:5), and contentious people who do not obey the truth. Though we are made in God’s image, our sin nature and actions have put as in enmity towards God. The carnal mind is on a collision course with God and it cannot be subject to His law (8:7).
Frankly, it is the most dire situation to be an enemy with the living God, but that’s what Romans tells us. Yet, God unilaterally instituted a solution to rectify this situation.
It is called the gospel of Jesus Christ. He died for our sins, was buried and rose again on the 3rd day; this is the gospel in a nutshell. Believe this and receive Him and an amazing thing happens. We are ‘saved’ and ‘justified,’ which means we are declared not guilty and righteous.
Peace Established
Do you want to enter the peace process? From the very outset, God’s peace will come upon your heart and mind. A tranquility beyond your own enablement will enter in. How do you get it?
Say ‘Yes’ to the gospel and the Prince of Peace Jesus Christ, receive justification, and look what comes next:
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ — Romans 5:1
It couldn’t been easier or clearer. When the Prince of Peace comes into your life, you are reconciled with God, adopted into His family, grafted into Israel’s olive tree (Romans 11:17-24) justification sets in, and a peace beyond all understanding will take control of your life.
Till this day, I will never forget the feeling of joy and peace I received when I asked Jesus into my life. That peace has stayed with me ever since. What God has done for me, He will do for you.
Unlike the manmade ‘peace process,’ where peace is given in instalments, God gives you complete peace on the spot. Yet, it is possible to grow in peace, like you can grow in grace, faith and glory. In fact, you can come to a place of great peace, perfect peace, and permanent peace.
Our upcoming articles will show you how.
Verses to Ponder
Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Colossians 1:20
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.