Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. John 20:19-20
The Ultimate Peace
Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19).
Jesus’ first greeting to the disciples after His resurrection complemented His final words on the cross when He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Jesus’ finished work of redemption through His death and resurrection accomplishes peace with God for all who repent and believe in Him. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). Through our faith, believers are eternally joined to Jesus and gifted the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:14). We are forever preserved by His grace and not by our own human willpower. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. No one can snatch them out of my hand (John 10:27-28). To know that we are saved through faith alone and not by works; to know that we are eternally secured by God's grace, to know that we can never lose our salvation, is the ultimate peace. (Want to read about the necessary components of saving faith? Check out my blog, "Three Elements of True Saving Faith")
As Christians, we have the peace that surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7). The peace that Jesus brings to humanity produces a supernatural comfort in the hearts of all who trust in Him. Believers can be going through unsteady trials and tribulations on the outside but still carry a steady peace on the inside. Peace with God gives us the ability to still experience joy during life's many trials. All other joy outside of Christ is fleeting and dependent upon externals. The joy that believers have is internally rooted in Jesus who never changes, despite our ever-changing circumstances and feelings. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). It is a joy the world cannot rob us of because it comes from a peace the world cannot give us (John 14:27). To have peace with God, to be forgiven by God, to be loved by God and gifted eternal life, is the ultimate peace.
Peace With God Brings Humility
The greatest reality of peace is knowing that although we deserve hell and God’s eternal wrath, we have been saved from His wrath and gifted eternal life, by grace through faith in Jesus. To really grasp that stunning reality ought to greatly humble us. Humility is at the heart of the Christian faith. Humility is where love and all other virtues begin. As believers, peace with God enables us to deal with others with more humility, patience, and gentleness. Ultimately, peace with God cultivates love in our hearts. It gives us the ability to love by action and truth and not just by words or speech (1 John 3:18). Peace with God gives us the ability to forgive others of their comparably small offenses, knowing we have been forgiven by God of our countless and great offenses toward Him. Peace with God humbles us where we can truly love Him and others.
The Ultimate Joy
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:9-11
To know we are safe and secure in Jesus and headed for eternal glory to live and reign with Him forever, is the ultimate peace and the ultimate joy!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I praise You for the peace You give me through faith in Jesus. It’s a peace that transcends all human intellect and produces a tranquil heart in me, even when things get difficult and life is uncertain. Help me to walk on Your path of life, delight in You, and find the fullness of joy in Your presence. Help me to practice the things that I have learned and received and heard and seen in You, so that the God of peace will be with me (Philippians 4:9).
All glory belongs to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “The God of peace be with you all. Amen” (Rom. 15:33).
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” John 20:23
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Comentários