The Christian Concept of Peace as Depicted in the Bible
Christianity places significant emphasis on the concept of peace, which transcends mere physical tranquility. This article delves into how the Bible elucidates on the Christian understanding of peace, spanning both the present and future.Defining Peace: More Than Absence, Fruit of the Spirit
Peace is not merely the absence of war or conflict but a profound state of harmony and contentment. According to Galatians 5:22-23:This verse indicates that peace is one of the attributes that manifest as a fruit of the Holy Spirit in a person's life. It is a quality that stems from a deep spiritual relationship with God and indicates a life of faith and trust in Him.“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Experiencing Peace in Troubled Times
When facing difficulties and uncertainties, peace is a gift that believers can draw upon. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages Christians to remain confident and express their trust in God through prayer and thanksgiving:These verses teach us that true peace comes from trusting in God even amidst problems and challenges. This assurance leads to a quiet confidence that surpasses human comprehension.“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Scripture’s Assurance: Peace of Promise
The Bible offers numerous assurances about the peace that believers can experience. For example, Isaiah 54:13 speaks to the peace that will be experienced by God’s children:Similarly, Psalm 119:165 emphasizes the peace that those who follow God’s Word will enjoy:“All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and the peace of your sons will be great.”
These promises illustrate the enduring and unshakable peace that believers can expect as they seek to walk in God’s ways.“Abundant peace belongs to those who love your law, nothing can make them stumble.”
Future Peace and Security
While believers can experience a measure of peace now, the ultimate peace and security described in the Bible are for the future. The prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future marked by true peace in Isaiah 2:2-5:In this vision, a time will come when there will be no more warfare, and nations will find peace in the teachings of God. This future promise is also reflected in Isaiah 65:17-25:“‘In the last days it shall come to pass that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it. And many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us concerning His ways and that we may walk in His paths.” For the law shall go forth from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”’”
This passage envisions a world where conflicts and hardships are things of the past, and people enjoy lasting peace and prosperity.“‘Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, and her people as a gladness. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people; and no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the sound of crying. No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days, for the child shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for as the days of a tree, so will be the days of My people, and My chosen ones shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for disaster; for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord, and their descendants with them. And before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bull; and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, says the Lord.’”