Topical Bible: The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Peace

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Definition and Nature of Peace

In the Christian tradition, peace is understood as a profound spiritual gift from God, transcending mere absence of conflict or turmoil. It is a state of inner tranquility and harmony that is rooted in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This peace is both a present reality and a future promise for believers, encompassing personal, communal, and eschatological dimensions.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of peace is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, beginning with the Hebrew word "shalom" in the Old Testament, which signifies completeness, welfare, and harmony. In the New Testament, the Greek word "eirēnē" is used, reflecting a similar depth of meaning. Peace is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles.

Peace as a Gift from God

Peace is described as a divine gift bestowed upon believers. In John 14:27, Jesus assures His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid." This peace is distinct from worldly peace, as it is rooted in the presence and promises of Christ.

Peace through Reconciliation with God

The foundation of spiritual peace is reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is the result of being justified by faith, leading to a restored relationship with God.

Peace as a Fruit of the Spirit

Peace is also identified as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit produces peace in the believer's life, manifesting in attitudes and actions that reflect God's character.

Peace in the Midst of Trials

The peace of God is not dependent on external circumstances. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace acts as a guard over the believer's heart and mind, providing stability and assurance even in times of trouble.

Peace in Relationships

Believers are called to be peacemakers and to live in harmony with others. Romans 12:18 exhorts, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." The peace of God enables Christians to pursue reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ and in their interactions with the world.

Eschatological Peace

The ultimate fulfillment of God's gift of peace will be realized in the eschatological future, when Christ returns to establish His kingdom. Isaiah 9:6 prophesies the coming of the "Prince of Peace," and Revelation 21:4 describes a future where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This future peace is the hope and assurance for all believers, pointing to a time when God's perfect peace will reign eternally.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 29:11
The LORD will give strength to his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Means of Obtaining Peace Internal, is not the Delight of Sense ...
... ones, and niceties of honour; which things stick very close; sometimes it cleaves
to spiritual pleasures, staying even in the gifts of God, and in ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap iii the means of.htm

Of Two Spiritual Martyrdoms, Wherewith God Cleanseth the Soul that ...
... by an inordinate desire of sublime Gifts, by the Appetite of feeling spiritual
Consolation, by ... holy Mountain of Perfection, and of Transformation with God! ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap iv of two spiritual.htm

Of Divers Gifts of God's Chosen: and How Saints Come to Love in ...
... likingly warm; and the mind, mirthed with gifts, waxes hot ... love, so that no filth
of spiritual foulness may ... joy comforts his wits to behold God; and everlasting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vi of divers gifts.htm

Letter xiv. --Remedies for Troubles.
... perfection does not consist in receiving great gifts from God ... simply in fulfilling
the will of God in every ... which is the foundation of the spiritual life, and ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter xiv remedies for troubles.htm

Letter xvii. --Confidence in God.
... those who have appealed to me, the gifts and graces ... possession, which sullies it."
On this account God withdraws what ... to make any progress in the spiritual life ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xvii confidence in god.htm

Inward Solitude is that which Chiefly Brings a Man to the Purchase ...
... Desire, from its own will, from spiritual Gifts, and from ... of internal Solitude: See
how God calls thee to ... and Heavenly Kingdom, full of joy, peace, content and ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap xii inward solitude is.htm

Of Sacrifices.
... that sacrifices of earthly oblations and of spiritual sacrifices [1197 ... but unto Cain
and unto his gifts He had ... And God said unto Cain, Why is thy countenance ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter v of sacrifices.htm

Unpossessed Possessions
... For remember, brethren, that all the gifts at which ... increased the catalogue"all these
spiritual endowments of ... God's purpose, which is nothing less for every ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/unpossessed possessions.htm

Letter vi. --Fear of Wasting Time.
... is most mortifying to that most sensitive form of self-love, spiritual self-love ...
envy even those souls which are most greatly enriched with the gifts of God. ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter vi fear of wasting time.htm

Joy and Peace in Believing
... of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing ... It is the depths of spiritual
experience here set forth ... There are two limits to God's gifts to men: the one ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/joy and peace in believing.htm