In the biblical context, peace is a multifaceted concept that encompasses spiritual, emotional, and relational dimensions. The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," signifies completeness, welfare, and harmony. In the New Testament, the Greek word "eirene" is used, which similarly denotes tranquility and harmony.

Old Testament: Peace is often associated with God's covenantal promises. In Numbers 6:24-26, the Aaronic blessing invokes peace: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." Here, peace is a divine gift, integral to the well-being of God's people. Isaiah 9:6 prophesies the coming of the "Prince of Peace," indicating the Messianic hope for ultimate peace through the reign of Christ.

New Testament: Jesus Christ is central to the New Testament understanding of peace. In John 14:27, Jesus assures His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid." This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of security and rest in God's sovereignty. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is foundational to the believer's relationship with God, achieved through justification by faith.

Relational Peace: The Bible also emphasizes peace among individuals and communities. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Believers are called to be agents of reconciliation, reflecting God's peace in their interactions. Ephesians 4:3 urges Christians to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Eschatological Peace: The ultimate fulfillment of peace is eschatological, pointing to the future reign of Christ. Revelation 21:4 envisions a new creation 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 consummate peace is the hope of all believers, a restoration of God's original design for creation.

Glory

Glory in the Bible refers to the manifestation of God's presence, majesty, and holiness. It is both an attribute of God and a state to which believers are called.

Old Testament: The Hebrew word for glory, "kabod," often signifies weightiness or splendor. God's glory is revealed in creation, as Psalm 19:1 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." The glory of God is also evident in His interactions with Israel, particularly in the tabernacle and temple. Exodus 40:34 describes, "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

New Testament: The Greek word "doxa" is used to describe glory in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God's glory. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:2) and His resurrection are profound demonstrations of His divine glory.

Believers and Glory: Christians are called to reflect God's glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18 explains, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." This transformation is a process of sanctification, where believers grow in holiness and Christlikeness.

Eternal Glory: The hope of eternal glory is a central theme in the New Testament. Romans 8:18 affirms, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." Believers anticipate sharing in Christ's glory, as promised in Colossians 3:4: "When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." This future glory is the culmination of God's redemptive work, where believers will fully experience His presence and majesty.