Written and compiled by Gary Kukis
These studies are designed for believers in Jesus Christ only. If you have exercised faith in Christ, then you are in the right place. If you have not, then you need to heed the words of our Lord, Who said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten [or, uniquely-born] Son, so that every [one] believing [or, trusting] in Him shall not perish, but shall be have eternal life! For God did not send His Son into the world so that He should judge the world, but so that the world shall be saved through Him. The one believing [or, trusting] in Him is not judged, but the one not believing has already been judged, because he has not believed in the Name of the only-begotten [or, uniquely-born] Son of God.” (John 3:16–18). “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life! No one comes to the Father except through [or, by means of] Me!” (John 14:6).
Every study of the Word of God ought to be preceded by a naming of your sins to God. This restores you to fellowship with God (1John 1:8–10). If we acknowledge our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John 1:9). If there are people around, you would name these sins silently. If there is no one around, then it does not matter if you name them silently or whether you speak aloud.
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Preface: This is not actually the doctrine of Peace, but the use of that word in Scripture.
Although the word peace, in the Bible, can refer to peace between nations; most of the time it refers to peace between God and man. We are, by birth, at enmity with God. We are, in our actions and in our innate being, the enemy of God. Jesus did not come to show us the way to world peace. If that was His purpose, it certainly did not take. |
1) Peace is used for the peace established between God and man through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. As it stands written, There is no one righteous. No, not one. There is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks after God. They have all turned aside. They have together become unprofitable. There is no one who does good, No, not, so much as one...The way of peace, they haven't known. There is no fear of God before their eyes (Rom. 3:10–12, 17–18; quoting Psalm 14:1–3 53:1–3 Isa 59:8 Psalm 36:1). Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through Whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Rom. 5:1–2). See also Rom. 2:10 10:15 Eph. 6:15 2) Peace is used in titles for God, which are related to the peace between man and God, as established and provided by Jesus Christ. Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the Great Shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus (Heb. 13:20). 3) Peace can refer to a state of mind, which is a part of the thinking of the mature believer. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13). The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus (Philip. 4:7). See also Col. 3:15 4) Peace is used to describe one of the workings of the Holy Spirit within a person. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22–23a). In this, peace is a state of being brought about by spiritual maturity and the filling of the Spirit. 5) Peace may be seen as a spiritual goal. Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2Tim. 2:22). Timothy is the pastor of a church here, so Paul is not encouraging him to exercise faith in Jesus Christ in order to be saved. His pursuit of peace, contextually, would be the spiritual goal of a man who is already saved and spiritually growing. See also 1Peter 3:11 6) Peace is used to describe the sort of relationship we as believers ought to have with others (believers and unbelievers both). Finally, brothers, rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you (2Cor. 13:11). This is not always possible. It should be clear that many in the Roman empire did not see peace with Peter or John as a viable option. Therefore, both men were persecuted for much of their lives simply for teaching the gospel and Bible doctrine. However, wherever possible we should seek to live in peace with all men. See also Eph. 4:3 Heb. 12:14 7) Peace is used in contrast with the confusion of many people speaking in tongues all at once in the Corinthian church. God is not a God of confusion, but of peace (1Cor. 14:33a). 8) The word peace is used as a synonym for Christianity. He came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father (Eph. 2:17–18). Quite obviously, there is not a lot of difference between this and the doctrine that Jesus Christ establishes peace between man and God. 9) Peace is used as part of a greeting or a salutation. In this way, it is shorthand for both peace with God and for wishing one well in the Christian life. To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:7). See also 2Cor. 1:2 Gal. 1:3 (1) One may understand peace to refer to individual peace and prosperity in these greetings. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (2Thess. 1:2). See 1Tim. 1:2 10) Peace is also used for peace between enemy nations. For when they are saying, "Peace and safety," then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape (1Thess. 5:3). When Israel began to take the land from the heathen in the and, Rahab the prostitute received Joshua’s envoys in peace. By faith, Rahab the prostitute, didn't perish with those who were disobedient, having received the spies in peace (Heb. 11:31). See also Rev. 6:4 |
The primary use of peace is the establishment of a relationship between man and God through Christ Jesus. |
1. In
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