J O H N W. M O O R E

PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING

The New Testament abounds with the beautiful concept of peace. It is indeed an important motif which has many applications. Its various shades of meaning are used in reference to man's relationship to God, others, and self. It is also used as a greeting and in connection with the worship service. Further, applications can be observed in how "peace" coincides with various other New Testament words. Overall, peace is used in a variety of ways, with each having an important impact upon the Christian.

PEACE WITH GOD. The Old and New Testaments clearly delineate that man's sin brings about an adversarial and divisive relationship between the sinner and God (Isa. 59:1-2; Rom. 5:10). Sin alienates an individual from God (Eph. 4:18) and brings about a spiritual separation (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:14,15). Friendship with the world is enmity with God (Jas. 4:4), and thus sinful man finds himself opposing God. God's mighty hand of justice will punish the guilty; those who live in opposition to His will.

However, God was not willing that any should perish (II Pet. 3:9), and He takes no delight in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 33:11). Therefore, he offered a solution by which man could become His friend and ally. He established a plan by which the sinner could be at peace with his Creator. He foreordained a sacrifice to be made which would satisfy His justice and appease His wrath (see the meaning of propitiation in Romans 3:25). The sacrifice was the pure and spotless Messiah; Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God.

The sacrifice of Christ is seen as a peace offering. Through His blood, he made peace (Col. 1:20), thus reconciling us to God and slaying "the enmity thereby" (Eph. 2:16). He becomes "our peace" (Eph. 2:14), thereby establishing concord and harmony between the sinner and God. Man, if he so chooses to obey the will of Christ, can become a friend of God (John 15:14). He can experience the highest rewards of peace. He can be at peace with God. This is the greatest application and meaning of .

PEACE WITH OTHERS. The next usage of peace can be seen in its application to others. While social activists clamor for peace and an end to all social injustice, they fail to realize that true peace and the eradication of racism, injustice, hatred, and war are to be realized in the teachings of the New Testament. The New Testament is called the Gospel of peace (Rom. 10:16; Eph. 6:15), because its message generates harmony and unity between (1) Jew and Gentile; (2) familial relationships; (3) brethren; and (4) all men.

During the time of Christ, hostility and hatred characterized the relationship of the Jews and Gentiles. A clear-cut division existed between them. Christ died that the "middle wall of partition" be broken down (Eph. 2:14), and that both parties might be reconciled into one body, which is the church (Eph. 2:15; cf. 1:22,23). Through His death, the lines of distinction were blurred and there was to be neither Jew nor Gentile, but only one man in Christ (Gal. 3:27,28). Where there was once division, now there is peace. Jew and Gentile are to be "fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God" (Eph. 2:19).

The Gospel of peace also produces harmony among family members. Specific New Testament admonitions concerning responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, and finances will foster happy and harmonious homes. Husbands will not be bitter against their wives (Col. 3:19), nor will the wife be disrespectful to her husband (Eph. 5:22-23). Children will be cared for and nurtured, and will obey their parents (Eph. 6:1,2,4). Peace will only be absent when loved ones fail to be at peace with God. A sword of division will prevail if family members do not acknowledge Jesus (Matt. 20:32-36). However, the peace of God will rule the hearts of the elect of God (Col. 3:12-15).

Peace among Christians is also produced by the Truth of the Gospel. Brethren must seek for peace among themselves, for we are commanded to "seek peace, and ensue it." (I Pet. 3:11) Christ pronounced a blessing on peacemakers (Matt. 5:9) and commands it as well. (Mk. 9:50) Paul wrote that unity and peace must be maintained among believers (Eph. 4:3ff) and uses the imperative mood to instruct both the Thessalonians and Corinthians in the same objective. (I Thess. 5:13; II Cor. 13:11) Truly, brethren must not quarrel and fight over matters of opinion, or allow jealousy and "misunderstandings" to alienate faithful brethren. Unity based on Truth (cf. I Cor. 1:10 with Col. 3:17) must be diligently pursued. However, the New Testament concept of peace does not entail the false premise that a congregation maintain unity in diversity. Such a premise mocks and stands in opposition to the very nature of genuine Biblical peace, because peace involves "wholeness" and "a state of reconciliation." True peace among brethren is to be found in a "Thus saith the Lord" application of all that the church practices and preaches.

"Peace with others" is further detailed in examining the Christian's obligation to be at peace with all men. Men should not strive about matters of opinion and personal differences. They must not avenge themselves or seek to recompense evil to any man (Rom. 12:17f). God is the administrator of justice and he will repay. The peace that so many are searching for is to be found in what Jesus taught and in what Paul summarized in Romans 12:20-21:

The New Testament concept of peace stands in vivid contrast to what the world offers as solutions to the problems of war, crime, disunity, and ill treatment. If nations will practice the precepts of the New Testament, then peace will occur; concord and safety will exist. This is true because Jesus taught that men should "do unto others as they want men to do unto them" (Matt. 7:12). He further commands that if our enemy curses or hates us we are to love, bless, pray, and do good to them (Matt. 5:44). Husbands are taught to love their wives as their own bodies (Eph. 5:28), and masters are taught to be fair and equitable to salves (Col. 4:1). The revelation of Christ also teaches that it is wrong to steal, murder, and lie ­ some of the very problems which prevent a peaceful nation and world. Overall, the New Testament demands, if possible, peace among all men (Rom. 12:18).