Peace

Concise Bible Dictionary:

This term is used to express the present attitude and testimony of God toward man consequent on the declaration of God’s righteousness in the death of Christ. The state of man which was obnoxious to the holiness of God by reason of sin has been removed in the cross. Hence the believer is justified by faith, and has peace (peace of conscience) with God through the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:11Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1)). Christ made peace through the blood of the cross (col. 1:2020And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:20)); and to the Christian God is “the God of peace,” and the Lord Jesus is “the Lord of peace.” He also is peace between believers, having on the cross broken down the barrier between Jew and Gentile (Eph. 2:14-1514For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (Ephesians 2:14‑15)).
When the Lord Jesus left the earth He left to the disciples peace, and said, “My peace I give unto you.” Peace is also spoken of as the state of heart in which a believer is kept in regard of circumstances. The record in the Old Testament is, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace (peace, peace, margin) whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee” (Isa. 26:33Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3)). The Christian makes his requests known unto God, and the peace of God that passeth all understanding keeps his heart and mind through Christ Jesus—peace of heart (Phil. 4:6-76Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6‑7)). Blessed privilege! and what a contrast to “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked” (Isa. 57:2121There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. (Isaiah 57:21)). The Lord Jesus will, in the future, among His other titles, be hailed as PRINCE OF PEACE (Isa. 9:66For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)).

From Anstey’s Doctrinal Definitions:

There are at least seven aspects to peace in the Scriptures—some relating to the believer’s standing before God, some relating to the believer’s state, and one to the future state of the world under the public reign of Christ. Some of these aspects are positional, others are practical, and the last is prophetical (yet to be fulfilled).
Peace In Connection With The Believer’s Standing
A. P. Cecil pointed out that there are three parts to the believer’s standing in peace. All three of these things belong to us the moment we believe the gospel and are sealed with the Holy Spirit. They are:
This is an external "peace" that exists between God and the believer as a result of being “justified by faith.” It is an outward prevailing condition between two parties that were once alienated. Similarly, when two nations are at war, there is no peace. But if peace is made between them, the war is over; hostilities cease and foes are changed to friends. This is exactly what has happened with the believer through faith in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. There no longer exists a separation between us and God; a condition of “peace with God” now prevails.
Some people think that the sinner needs to make his peace with God. They will say, "Make your peace with God." However, we cannot make peace with God because we are not able to offer to the claims of divine justice what is necessary to make it. Thankfully, God has undertaken to secure it for the believer. The Bible teaches that this peace has been made for men by Christ's work on the cross (Col. 1:2020And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:20)). Thus, all we have to do is to believe God's testimony concerning that fact, and “being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This aspect of peace is an objective reality, not a subjective feeling or a state of mind. Thus, it is not an inward peaceful feeling in the soul of the believer, as some people think. Peaceful feelings can come and go, depending on circumstances and a person’s state of soul, but they have no part of the believer's justification and of his “peace with God.” Peace with God is an abiding condition in which the believer dwells with God. It is as sure and unshakable as its foundation—the death and resurrection of Christ. Romans 5:11Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1) is not speaking of our enjoyment of our peace with God, but rather of the fact that we have peace with God. This peace does not depend upon our state of soul. Nor can it be lost by our shortcomings and failures in the path of faith, because it is an eternally settled thing, and inseparably connected with our position before God. Hence, we do not have more of this peace by walking in communion with the Lord, nor do we have less of it if we don't walk with Him.
This aspect of peace is an inward thing. It has to do with the believer being brought to rest in his soul concerning the guilt of his sins. It is a peace in the soul of the believer resulting from knowing acceptance (Rom. 8:11There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)) and deliverance (Rom. 8:2-42For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:2‑4)). Thus, the believer has a deep sense of being liberated from judgment, and this causes peace and rest to fill his soul. This inward aspect of peace is often confused with the external peace with God mentioned above.
Acceptance has to do with understanding what was accomplished in the finished work of Christ on the cross and the place that He has at the right hand of God. Resulting from His resurrection and ascension, the Lord now stands in a place before God that is beyond condemnation. And, due to the indwelling of the Spirit of God in the believer, the believer is “in Christ” (Rom. 8:11There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1), etc.). “In Christ” is a technical term used in Paul’s doctrine to denote the believer being “in Christ’s place before God” (Eph. 1:66To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6)). Thus, he is as accepted as Christ is accepted (1 John 4:1717Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17)). (See Acceptance and In Christ.)
Deliverance has to do with the Spirit in the believer effecting a liberation in his soul from the power of sin (Rom. 8:2-42For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:2‑4)). This does not mean that he can no longer sin, but that there is a power in him that enables him to live without sinning, if he walks in the Spirit. This is so by virtue of “the law [principle] of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” acting in the believer to override the inclinations of the flesh. J. N. Darby remarked that when a soul gets this peace, he never really gets into soul trouble again regarding doubts of his salvation. (See Deliverance.)
This refers to the condition of peace existing among the fellow-members of the body of Christ, even though their former positions as Jews and Gentiles were poles apart. The great work of reconciliation to God through the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:1313But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)), has not only brought the believer nigh to God, but also into union with the other members of Christ’s body. Thus, the long-standing differences that have existed for centuries between Jews and Gentiles have been annulled; they are now in union together in the body of Christ by the indwelling Spirit.
As mentioned, all three aspects of our standing in peace are ours the moment we believe the gospel and are sealed with the Holy Spirit.
Peace In Connection With The Believer’s State
When the believer’s state of soul is right, and he is walking in fellowship with the Lord, there are certain aspects of practical peace that He will enjoy. These all have to do with the believer’s state. If, however, he neglects to walk with the Lord, he will not have these aspects of peace:
This refers to the state of tranquility in which God Himself dwells. He sees and knows all the strife and trouble that goes on in this world, but none of those things disturb the peace He dwells in. It is not that He is indifferent to it—He is very concerned about the suffering, sorrow, violence, etc., and will set it all right one day—but it does not upset His peace. Paul teaches in Philippians 4 that God would have us to live in the very peace that He lives in so that our minds and hearts would not be disturbed by the upsetting circumstances through which we pass in this world. Paul says that we are to bring everything that concerns and troubles us to God in prayer and to make our “requests” known to Him (Phil. 4:66Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)). He does not say that God will necessarily give us everything that we ask for, but that He will give us His peace in these stressful situations of life (Phil. 4:77And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)). Paul goes on to say that not only will we have “the peace of God” in our souls, but we will also have “the God of peace” with us in our circumstances (Phil. 4:99Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:9)). That is, He will grant us a special sense of His presence. Compare Daniel 3:24-2524Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 25He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. (Daniel 3:24‑25). W. Scott said, “Oh to have Him as your travelling companion; constantly at your side; your guide; keeper and friend—the God of peace!” (Young Christian, vol. 5, p. 128).
We can never lose our “peace with God,” for it is inseparably connected with our position before God in Christ. But if we do not bring our concerns and troubles to God in prayer, we will lose out on having the “peace of God” in our souls, and will be troubled about many things in the vicissitudes of life (Luke 10:4141And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: (Luke 10:41)).
This refers to the state of peace in which the Lord Himself lived when He walked through this world. None saw trouble as He did and none suffered like Him. The sorrows He experienced due to the hatred and the rejection of men weighed upon His heart. Yet He took it all in perfect calmness, without being stoical. This calmness came from His accepting of those circumstances from the hand of His Father in perfect submission (Matt. 11:2626Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. (Matthew 11:26)). Thus, He lived in peace (Mark 14:61; 15:3-561But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? (Mark 14:61)
3And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. 4And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. 5But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled. (Mark 15:3‑5)) and slept in peace (Mark 4:37-4137And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:37‑41)), and at the end of His pathway on earth, He gave that peace to His followers (John 14:2727Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)), for they would have to pass through the same hostile world.
The difference between the peace of Christ and the peace of God is that the peace of God results when we bring our troubles and difficulties to God in prayer, whereas the peace of Christ results from our taking our troubles and difficulties from God in submission.
This aspect of peace has to do with happy, peaceful conditions existing among brethren. The psalmist said, “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psa. 133:11<<A Song of degrees of David.>> Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)). While this is actually speaking of the tribes of Israel dwelling together peaceably, the principle is applicable to Christian brethren too. Satan is doing all that he can to disturb the peace among brethren. The saints in each local assembly, therefore, must “work out” their “own salvation” from his evil inroads among them by having the humility of Christ and each esteeming the other better than themselves (Phil. 2:1212Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)).
This has to do with peace among the nations on earth. It is something that kings and governors and politicians have sought to bring about for thousands of years, but all have failed. Scripture tells us that world peace will be brought about by the judgments of the Lord at His Appearing. It says, “When Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness” (Isa. 26:99With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. (Isaiah 26:9)). At that time, the Lord will “make wars to cease to the end of the earth” (Psa. 46:99He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. (Psalm 46:9)).
Many Christians believe that they should be doing what they can to bring peace into the world in this present Day of Grace. They see it as their Christian duty. Hence, they engage in politics, they support the bearing of arms, they get involved in protesting unrighteous acts in society, etc. This mistaken thinking has its origins in Reformed (Covenant) Theology, which teaches that the kingdom of Christ will be brought in through Christian preaching and influence. These ideas have worked their way into almost every sector of the Christian profession today. However, while the Bible teaches that we should seek to live peacefully among the people of this world (Rom. 12:1818If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18); 1 Tim. 2:1-21I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1‑2)), it does not teach us to involve ourselves in its political affairs, because we are merely pilgrims passing through it (1 Peter 2:1111Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; (1 Peter 2:11)). The Bible assures us that while this world will surely be set right through force in the judgments of the Lord, the Day of Grace is not the time for it. The Lord taught that as long as He was rejected by this world, His followers were not to “fight” in issues of righteousness in society (John 18:3636Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (John 18:36); Rev. 13:1010He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. (Revelation 13:10); Matt. 26:5252Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. (Matthew 26:52)). It is a hopeless cause because Scripture teaches that the world will continue to get worse, morally and spiritually, until the Lord intervenes in judgment (2 Tim. 3:1313But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13)). We are, therefore, to wait for Christ’s Appearing when He will set the world right through judgment (Acts 17:3131Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17:31); 2 Thess. 1:7-97And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (2 Thessalonians 1:7‑9); Rev. 11:1515And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)). At that time, He “shall bring peace to the people” of this whole world (Psa. 72:33The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. (Psalm 72:3)).

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Peace: August 2010