The Gospel of Peace: God’s Plan to Save the World
If you were to ask someone what their greatest wish was for mankind, “world peace” would probably be near the top of their wish list. We crave peace in our lives, in our homes, and in our communities. Yet, for some reason, many of us have resigned ourselves to the fact that we may never see such peace in our lifetimes. This world is simply a chaotic, crazy place with evil people in it. Even nature itself seems to be in on the chaos… hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters threaten our peace continually. So when the Bible speaks of peace, we often push it forward in time. We tell ourselves that peace is for the future, not for the here and now. We will have peace someday… right?
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God does have a plan for peace in this world, one that we actively get to be a part of as we spread the Good News of His Kingdom far and wide. But that doesn’t mean we have to wait for peace.
For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. – Colossians 1:19-20
Here and now, we can experience His peace beyond all understanding. Because of the cross, we can abide in it each and every day, and this peace is made available through Jesus. It is only when the Holy Spirit dwells within us that we can experience a supernatural peace that comes from God alone.
Our access to the peace of God is the result of our salvation… it comes once we place our faith in Jesus.
To the woman who anointed Jesus feet with expensive perfume…
And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” – Luke 7:50
To the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed…
And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” – Luke 8:48
I love the imagery in the above passages! Both women were made whole. They came to Jesus with unrest in their lives both physically and emotionally, and He miraculously healed them. They were then able to go in peace. But like us today, they had a choice. Jesus had given them His peace, but they had to “go” and walk in that peace.
The Good News of Jesus is referred to as the Gospel of Peace in Ephesians 6. Why? Because after centuries of unrest, peace had finally come into the world. And we get to announce this good news of peace to the entire world!
How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” – Isaiah 52:7
In Jesus…
- We have peace with God… No longer are we far away from God. We can be close to Him, be in His presence anytime, any place. And it’s not just the fact that we have been made holy, but also that we have been born again as sons and daughters. He is our Father, and we are His kids.
- We have peace in our hearts… Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Nothing. We are secure in our salvation. It’s a done deal. And above and beyond that, we have the Holy Spirit in our lives who strengthens us and give us His peace even in our own moments of weakness.
- We have hope for peace in this world… Our job is to spread the Gospel of Peace to the world. Jesus is King! And His Kingdom is here and ever growing! And one day He will return and all will be made new in the twinkling of an eye.
In Jesus, we can experience peace beyond understanding in every area of our lives. This truly is the Gospel of Peace.
Now go… walk in that peace and share it with the world.
Click here for a full list of posts in this 31-day series!
*Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.
**Photo by Ben White at ChristianPics.co
