Throughout history mankind has sought peace through military alliances, balances of power, and leagues of nations. Yet lasting peace still remains an elusive dream. Even during times of relative peace, nations struggle with internal strife and crime.
The Bible says that man on his own cannot know peace because he is alienated from its source. But we need not despair. True peace is immediately available from God our Father (“the God of peace,” Rom. 15:33) and from the Lord Jesus Christ (the “Prince of Peace,” Isa. 9:6). It’s a gift of God’s grace to those who love and obey Jesus Christ.
The New Testament so clearly teaches the inextricable link between God’s grace and peace that “Grace to you and peace” became a common greeting in the early church. Grace is God’s great kindness toward those who are undeserving of His favor but who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. It is the fountain, and peace is the stream. As recipients of His grace, we have “peace with God” (Rom. 5:1); we are reconciled to Him through faith in His Son, and we will never experience His wrath. We also have the “peace of God” (Phil. 4:7, emphasis added)—the Spirit’s way of assuring us that God is in control even in the midst of difficult circumstances. That’s why Paul calls it the peace that “surpasses all comprehension” (Phil. 4:7).
The world’s peace is relative and fleeting because it is grounded in circumstances. God’s peace is absolute and eternal because it is grounded in His grace.
Does God’s peace reign in your heart, or have you allowed sin or difficult circumstances to diminish your devotion to Christ?
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith (14). Crossway Books.