PEACE upon earth! How can this be true when, today, we see two nations in the throes of war, and all others armed to the teeth prepared for the bugle call to action?
How can the above angelic proclamation be correct under such circumstances? Nineteen centuries have run their course since these words were uttered, and, whatever glory may have been given to God in the highest, or whatever goodwill may have been shown to men, yet none can truthfully say that peace has spread her welcome wings over the nations of earth, or caused the sword to be turned into a plowshare.
War is the passion of the day, and any effort to obtain arbitration, other than that of battle, seems futile.
Then what of the heavenly announcement? Was it only a beautiful sentiment―only a kindly expression designed to indicate the feelings of Heaven, but having no place in the stern struggle for life and liberty here below?
Can these words and their meaning be explained? Certainly!
First, let it be clearly understood that Christianity was never intended by its blessed Author to convert the world! Ponder that statement. It is of immense importance.
I must repeat―it never was God’s design to convert to Himself the nations of the earth by the sound of the gospel as now preached. He has graciously sent that gospel everywhere, in order that souls should, through faith, be saved; but that is a very different thing from national conversion.
The infidel of today tauntingly upbraids us by saying that Christianity, as a peace-producer, is a total failure. He can see no improvement in warlike inclinations since the heavenly heralds declared “Peace upon earth.” He sees the opposite; and believes that his point is gained. But, if Christianity never undertook to produce peace on earth, then his charge falls to the ground. His supposition is false, and his accusation groundless.
The peace that Christianity did undertake to bring is of a wholly different kind. It is “peace with God” instead of national harmony. Since the proclamation of the angels, myriads of souls, out of all nations, have been led to the comfortable enjoyment of peace with God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and have given brilliant evidence of it in blameless life and triumphant death. But, withal, that is not universal national tranquility. Far otherwise.
Christianity has not failed and will not fail of its glorious object. Souls have been, are being, and will be brought thus to God, as the trophies of redeeming love, out of every nation, kindred, and tongue, to form the Church of God and the Bride of the Lamb, whose favored companion they are in His continued rejection by the world at large, and partner of His coming heavenly glories.
Blessed portion indeed! but, reader, is it yours? Meanwhile the nations go on in pursuit of their separate and selfish interests―the stronger crowding out the weaker, or else arming in such a way as to hold their own against their rivals.
These are facts, all too patent, and will remain facts until another order of dealing on God’s part shall take place―an order, notice, that is to be ushered in by oceans of blood and indescribable sorrows. (Read, for instance, Matt. 24)
Then, and not till then, shall “they learn war no more.” The study of war shall cease―its art shall be forgotten―then shall the thousand years (the millennium) run its blessed course, and then shall be fulfilled the angelic announcement of “Glory to God in the highest, peace upon earth and good-will toward men.”
Yes, that announcement shall certainly be accomplished. All that God has said must be fulfilled. Today we have war on earth and “peace in heaven” (Luke 19:3838Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. (Luke 19:38)). By-and-by the sword shall be sheathed, and, thank God, there shall be peace upon earth too. Therefore let no one imagine that Christianity has failed of her mission. She has come, like her Author, to win souls not kingdoms―to conquer hearts and not crowns.
She has come, in patient grace, to call sinners to salvation, and to deliver from the certain horrors of eternal judgment by presenting to them a God of love who gave His Son for us.
The moment is of priceless value. Get to see its wondrous meaning. Soon the door must close, and mercy take her flight. The one thing of supreme importance to you, dear unsaved reader, is the salvation of your soul. See to it that whatever else you lose, you suffer not the loss of your soul.
“Peace is proclaimed from heaven’s bright courts of love;
The Victor takes His seat, and from above
The gladsome message sounds in weary ears
That Christ binds broken hearts and stays their tears.
Peace is possessed by those who simply hide
In Christ alone, and in His word confide;
Read clear their pardon, written full and plain
By God Himself, who sees them without stain.”
J. W. S.