Peace - do you have it?

PEACE: IS IT YOURS?

IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR PEACE?

The endless wars, conflicts, and injustices we see in the world today only prove what the Bible has always declared concerning mankind: "The way of peace have they not known" Romans 3.17.

All efforts to achieve lasting peace fail miserably because the root of the problem is not dealt with. God alone has the solution to the problem of peace - not only for nations, but also for you. He has successfully dealt with the root cause of all turmoil - sin.

Now He offers sure and lasting peace for both the heart and conscience through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Listen to the comforting words of Jesus: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" John 14.27.

HOW CAN PEACE BE MADE?

Man can never "make his peace with God." Peace cannot be purchased or earned, nor can our tears, prayers, and resolutions ever make peace with Him. However, what we could not do, God has done perfectly and eternally!

"Having made peace through the blood of His cross" Colossians 1.20. What is it that has made peace? It is the work of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, on the cross bore, "the chastisement of our peace" Isaiah 53.5. There, the full penalty of God’s judgment against sin fell upon our spotless Substitute. Then, as a sign of His acceptance of Christ’s perfect work, God raised up Christ Jesus from the dead. Peace has been made!

HOW CAN YOU POSSESS PEACE?

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Romans 5.1. It is one thing for peace to have been made, but it is another thing for this peace to be possessed. It is peace for all mankind, but not possessed by all mankind. This peace must be received, and here is where faith comes in.

Faith takes God at His word. First, it acknowledges one’s lost and ruined condition: "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3.23. Next, faith accepts Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Saviour by trusting in Him Who died and rose again to put away sin. All who believe on Him receive this blessed peace. It can be yours to possess - today!

When we rest our faith upon Jesus Christ, we get much more than just a feeling of peace; we begin a real, eternal relationship with God. Instead of being under wrath and subject to judgment, the believer is accepted by God, becomes the object of His delight, and is looked upon as righteous before Him. Can you, dear reader, say, "I have peace with God"?

ARE YOU AT PEACE?

"He is our peace" Ephesians 2.14. Peace does not come from within ourselves. Peace comes from knowing Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. The believer has peace of conscience as to his sins, and peace of heart as to his circumstances. Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace" John 16.33. Therefore, "Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace" Job 22.21.

Used by kind permission of Assembly Testimony Magazine