Topical Encyclopedia Peace, in the biblical context, is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of well-being and harmony that originates from God. It is a central theme throughout Scripture and is considered a divine calling for believers. The concept of peace is deeply rooted in the Hebrew word "shalom," which encompasses completeness, welfare, and tranquility. In the New Testament, the Greek word "eirene" carries similar connotations.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding peace as a divine gift and calling. In Numbers 6:24-26, the Aaronic blessing highlights peace as a blessing from God: "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 portrayed as a result of God's favor and presence. The prophetic literature also emphasizes peace as a future hope and a sign of the Messianic age. Isaiah 9:6 prophesies the coming of the "Prince of Peace," indicating that the Messiah will establish a reign characterized by peace. This peace is not only political but also spiritual, restoring the relationship between God and humanity. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies and fulfills the Old Testament promises 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, and do not be afraid." This peace is distinct from worldly peace, as it is rooted in the reconciliation between God and man through Christ's atoning work. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses peace in his epistles, urging believers to live in peace with one another and to pursue peace as a calling. In Romans 12:18, he writes, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This exhortation underscores the believer's responsibility to actively seek peace in their relationships. Peace as a Fruit of the Spirit Peace is also identified as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." As a fruit of the Spirit, peace is both a gift and a calling, cultivated in the life of a believer through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The Role of the Church The Church is called to be an agent of peace in the world. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." The Church, as the body of Christ, is tasked with modeling and promoting peace, both within its community and in the broader world. Eschatological Peace The ultimate fulfillment of peace is eschatological, pointing to the future restoration of all things. Revelation 21:4 describes a time when God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. This vision of peace is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where perfect harmony is restored in the new heaven and new earth. In summary, peace as a calling is a multifaceted concept in the Bible, encompassing personal tranquility, relational harmony, and eschatological hope. It is both a present reality and a future promise, rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Subtopics Peace offerings: General Scriptures Concerning Peace offerings: Offered by David Peace offerings: Offered by Joshua Peace offerings: Offered by the Princes Peace: Blessedness of Promoting Peace: God Bestows Upon Those Who: Endure his Chastisements Peace: God Bestows Upon Those Who: Obey Him Peace: God Bestows Upon Those Who: Please Him Peace: Ministers should Exhort To Peace: Necessary to the Enjoyment of Life Peace: Pray for That of the Church Peace: Results From: Heavenly Wisdom Peace: Results From: Praying for Rulers Peace: Results From: Seeking the Peace of Those With Whom we Dwell Peace: Results From: The Government of Christ Peace: Saints should Cultivate Peace: Saints should Endeavour to Have Will all Men Peace: Saints should Follow the Things Which Make For Peace: Saints should Have, With Each Other Peace: Shall Abound in the Latter Days Peace: The Fruit of Righteousness should be Sown In Peace: The Wicked: Hypocritically Speak Spiritual Peace is Through the Atonement of Christ Spiritual Peace of Saints: Abundant Spiritual Peace of Saints: Consummated After Death Spiritual Peace of Saints: Great Spiritual Peace of Saints: Passes all Understanding Spiritual Peace of Saints: Secure Spiritual Peace: A Fruit of the Spirit Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: Acquaintance With God Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: Faith Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: Righteousness Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: Spiritual-Mindedness Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: The Love of God's Law Spiritual Peace: Announced by Angels Spiritual Peace: Bequeathed by Christ Spiritual Peace: Christ Guides Into the Way of Spiritual Peace: Christ is Our Spiritual Peace: Christ is the Lord of Spiritual Peace: Christ is the Prince of Spiritual Peace: Divine Wisdom is the Way of Spiritual Peace: Established by Covenant Spiritual Peace: Follows Upon Justification Spiritual Peace: God is the God of Spiritual Peace: God Speaks, to his Saints Spiritual Peace: Preached by Christ Spiritual Peace: Preached by Ministers Spiritual Peace: Preached: Through Christ Spiritual Peace: Promised to Returning Backsliders Spiritual Peace: Promised to Saints Spiritual Peace: Promised to The Church Spiritual Peace: Promised to The Gentiles Spiritual Peace: Promised to The Meek Spiritual Peace: Promised to Those Who Confide in God Spiritual Peace: Saints: Blessed With Spiritual Peace: Saints: Die In Spiritual Peace: Saints: Enjoy Spiritual Peace: Saints: Have in Christ Spiritual Peace: Saints: Have, With God Spiritual Peace: Saints: Kept By Spiritual Peace: Saints: Kept in Perfect Spiritual Peace: Saints: Repose In Spiritual Peace: Saints: Ruled By Spiritual Peace: Saints: Wish, to Each Other Spiritual Peace: Supports Under Trials Spiritual Peace: The Benediction of Ministers should Be Spiritual Peace: The Gospel is Good Tidings of Spiritual Peace: The Wicked are Promised, by False Teachers Spiritual Peace: The Wicked: Know not the Things of Spiritual Peace: The Wicked: Know not the Way of Spiritual Peace: The Wicked: Promise, to Themselves Spiritual Peace: The Wicked: There is None For Spiritual Peace: we should Love Related Terms |