Subscription Lists

Paul wrote, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5.1-4; emphasis mine, jb).

Luke recorded these words of Jesus during His earthly ministry: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” (Luke 4.18-19). Jesus specifically applied Isaiah’s prophecy to Himself and to the gospel [good news] of liberty which He would usher in (see Isaiah 61.1-2). The alleviation of suffering, guilt, oppression, and hardship was equivalent to the peace through Jesus about which Paul wrote.

Peter further confirmed this conclusion as he spoke to the household of Cornelius, the first Gentile convert to Christianity, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10.34-38; emphasis mine, jb).

Our opening text of Romans 5.1-4 speaks of peace with God through Jesus. It is peace with God that man needs. It is through Jesus that this peace can be obtained. It was the gospel message which made this peace available to any and all who would hear. Peace is a marvelous word! Everyone except despots and those with selfish motives desires peace; it is, as we used to say, “…like motherhood and apple pie;” who wouldn’t be for it? Yet one additional passage will help us to understand the nature of the peace that is possible through Jesus. Paul wrote, “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” (Romans 16.20). Note that God is identified as “the God of peace” and, at the same time it was stated that He would “crush Satan under your feet shortly.”

Even God’s peace cannot be achieved without doing violence to someone or something. War and turmoil are the products of sin, and in order for the effects of sin to be reversed, the source of sin has to be eliminated or brought into submission. God wishes men to submit to His will, but He absolutely will be victorious over Satan whether we submit to Him or not! This fact demands the ultimate destruction of Satan and all who identify themselves with his cause. Peace is desired, but conflict is essential for that peace to be achieved.

Jesus came to give peace, but not the peace of this world (John 14.27). His gift of peace through the gospel is an unequaled gift. His peace is of a sort that knows no compromise and absolutely must deny any position of power to evil! Peace, God’s peace, is available through Jesus!

Questions:

1. What kind of peace did Jesus come to give?

2. In order for God’s peace to prevail, what must happen to Satan (evil)?

3. How is this peace imparted to humanity (see Acts 10.34-38)?

4. What can we do today to further God’s peace upon this earth? What can we do in our own lives to promote God’s peace? What can we do in the lives of others?

"Voice of Inspiration" from Andy Castro

A Lot Of Salt