You Can Have Peace

At one time It was optimistically called “the war to end all wars.”  H.G. Wells, an English author, coined that phrase. What was later known as World War 1 began July 28, 1914, and ended November 11, 1918. The French, British, Germans, Austrians, Hungarians, Russians, Americans, Ottomans, Bulgarians, Serbs, and others were all drawn into this war. When the conflict was finally recognized as World War 1, it was evident that this war did not end all wars. Some years later, H.G. Wells joined in with others to make fun of his statement.

It was a tragic war in which there were an estimated ten million military deaths and twenty million crippled or severely wounded, without counting the countless civilian casualties.

It certainly didn’t end all wars. Since that time, there have been about 200 separate wars around the world with countless fatalities and casualties. (Click the link to see the list.)

Politicians proclaim they will bring peace, but as it was in the days of Jeremiah, “We looked for peace, but no good came.”  (Jeremiah 8:15).

Peace is an elusive concept. We can pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). We can pray for peace in Israel and Gaza, the Ukraine, and other warring places. As I was praying for peace, I realized that I was, in reality, praying for Christ to return and establish peace at His Second Coming. Only then will there be genuine peace.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

But what about us today in 2024? Paul commands us to pray for those In authority (1 Timothy 2:1-3) and to be obedient to the powers that God has ordained (Romans 13:1-7)

But never has God told us that we could obtain political and governmental peace. Jesus taught that as we approach the end of the age, we could expect wars and rumors of wars. (Matthew  24;6).

Jesus made these astounding statements: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34). “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.” (Luke 12:51-52

The preaching of the gospel brings conflict. Some in one family accept Christ, and others do not. Families split up over the changes coming into a new convert’s life. It is a well-documented fact in repressive countries that persecution comes first from members of the convert’s family, up to and including death. Jesus said, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” (John 3:19-20).

Paul explained, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2  Corinthians 4:3-4). Satan is angry when a person gets saved and he immediately stirs up trouble.

But you can have inner peace now!

Because of sin, we start in life as enemies of God. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:8-10). “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.” (Colossians 1:20-22).

What was impossible is now possible! While we were yet sinners and enemies of God, Jesus paid the price for our sins so that we could be reconciled (brought into a friendly relationship) to God.

Before salvation, we are enemies of God. Because of His work on the cross, Jesus paid the purchase price to buy us out of the slave market of sin and make us new creatures in Christ. That is why Paul can confidently state in Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified (made righteous) by faith (not our works), we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

Peace with God is what we need first. We receive peace with God when we believe and trust in Christ to forgive our sins and remove the hostility between us and God.

 Inner peace, or the peace of God, comes next. “Be careful for nothing (or don’t be anxious or worry about anything); but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Jesus talked about this peace when he said, “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) . “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John16:33). Paul commanded, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.”  (Colossians 3:15).

Today, if you do not know Jesus as Savior, turn to Him in repentance, ask forgiveness for your sin, and invite Him into your life as Savior and Lord. Then you can experience peace with God.

If you are already a born-again Christian, you can experience the peace of God in your life. Confess your sin, including the sin of worry, experience His cleansing power, and let Jesus be the master of your life. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:8). Let  His peace overwhelm you.