The nature of God as a being of order and peace is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His divine character and the way He interacts with creation. This aspect of God's nature is evident in both the Old and New Testaments, where His desire for harmony and structured existence is consistently portrayed.

Order in Creation

From the very beginning, God's nature of order is manifest in the creation narrative. Genesis 1:1-2 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep." The subsequent verses describe how God brought order out of chaos, systematically creating light, land, seas, vegetation, and living creatures, culminating in the creation of humanity. This orderly process underscores God's intentional design and structured approach to creation.

The psalmist echoes this sentiment in Psalm 104:24 , "How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures." Here, God's wisdom is linked to the orderliness of His creation, highlighting His meticulous planning and purpose.

Order in the Law

God's nature of order is further revealed in the giving of the Law to Israel. The Law provided a structured framework for the Israelites to live by, promoting justice, morality, and social harmony. In Deuteronomy 4:8 , Moses declares, "And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?" The Law was not only a reflection of God's holiness but also His desire for an ordered society.

Peace as a Divine Attribute

Peace is another fundamental aspect of God's nature. In the Hebrew Bible, the word "shalom" encompasses not only the absence of conflict but also completeness, welfare, and harmony. God is often referred to as the "God of peace," as seen in Judges 6:24 , where Gideon builds an altar to the LORD and calls it "The LORD Is Peace."

The prophetic literature also speaks of God's peace. Isaiah 9:6 prophesies the coming of the Messiah, calling Him the "Prince of Peace." This title signifies the Messiah's role in establishing God's peace on earth, a peace that transcends human understanding and is rooted in divine order.

Peace in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the nature of God as a God of peace is further emphasized. Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God's peace, teaches His followers to be peacemakers. In Matthew 5:9 , He states, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This beatitude reflects the divine nature of peace and the call for believers to emulate this attribute.

The Apostle Paul frequently refers to God as the "God of peace" in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 14:33 , Paul writes, "For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace." This statement underscores the connection between God's order and peace, suggesting that true peace is found in the divine order established by God.

Order and Peace in the Church

The early church was encouraged to reflect God's nature of order and peace in its communal life. Paul instructs the Corinthians to conduct their worship services in an orderly manner, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:40 , "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." This directive highlights the importance of order in maintaining peace and unity within the body of Christ.

Furthermore, in Philippians 4:7 , Paul assures believers that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace is a gift from God, rooted in His nature, and serves as a protective force for believers amidst life's challenges.

Eschatological Order and Peace

The Bible concludes with a vision of ultimate order and peace in the eschatological fulfillment of God's kingdom. Revelation 21:4 describes a new heaven and a new earth where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This vision reflects the consummation of God's order and peace, where His divine nature is fully realized in the restored creation.