There are many types of “peace“ that can be used in different ways. For in stance, there is “peace of mind,” meaning not worrying about something, “Rest in peace” as used to express that someone’s spirit has found peace after death. Peace can also mean the absence of war or conflict. Generally speaking, a broad definition of peace is tranquility, calm, quietness, freedom from fear. And on and on goes the long list of meanings. It is also the Jewish custom to say “shalom” (meaning peace) when Jews are meeting or parting from each other. The greek word peace means tranquility or harmony.
There are many references to the word peace in its various forms in the Holy Scriptures. However, here are three examples, which firmly stand out because of what they clearly state in the details of God’s Word. We have the “Peace with God,” the “Peace from God,” and the “Peace of God.”
Firstly, the Peace with God is absolutely essential “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Also, the Bible states “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—everyone— to His own way” (Isaiah 53:6). This means that no one had any peace with God in such a condition. Therefore, God had to intervene with the only remedy of his salvation. Peace with God is only possible by personal faith and trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. There is no other way to be right with God. Peace with God requires a “fully surrendered” life to Him. God then places His Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer to lead, guide, and direct his or her life so that each one may enjoy this peace.
Secondly, the Peace from God that Paul uses in greetings and salutations to recipients of his various letters recorded in the Scriptures. For example, in his letter to the Christians in Rome, Paul writes, “To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7). There is no reason why Christians can’t adopt this principle, and we should, when greeting others—both Christian and non-christian alike, with the intent to use it as a “witness.” Even in a casual conversation it may be used as well.
Thirdly, the Peace of God, which refers to peace “within our innermost being,” that is, the state of the soul of believers who have entered into the “peace with God” through the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross for our salvation. Peace of God is not dependent on situations or circumstances in anyway. The Peace of God is “supernatural peace.” It shouldn’t be surprising that the Lord Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). What assuring words from our blessed Lord and Master who imparts His peace to us. God’s peace contributes to the spiritual well being of all believers in Christ Jesus.
Undoubtedly it is God’s divine intent that the Christian life be a God-glorifying experience. To prove the point, Paul writes to the Philippian Church, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice”(Philippians 4:4). However, before we can actually “rejoice in the Lord” we must first experience peace with God. We should always bear in mind that every human being has an inborn sinful nature. King David admitted this in his psalm of penitence where he confesses, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5). We commit sin and the tendency to sin because of that sinful nature within us.
Let us consider further that Jesus is actually “our peace.” Paul said, “For He himself is our peace, who has made us both one” (Ephesians 2:14). The shed blood and death of Jesus Christ on the Cross reconciles the sinner to a holy and righteous God. It is sinful man that must be reconciled to God and not God reconciled to man. Unlike man, God is sovereign, holy and just. And God has always loved us (John 3:16), even when we were “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). That’s why He has provided a wonderful salvation for all mankind.
If you have never experienced “Peace with God,” why not accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and surrender your life to Him right now. This will happen when you Admit you are a sinner, Believe that Jesus will save you, and Confess your sin and ask Jesus into your heart. Your salvation is guaranteed because Jesus promises, “Whoever comes to me, I will never cast out” (John 6:37).