The Peacemakers – Part 4

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

– Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

In Part 3 (here are Parts 1 & 2) I talked about the Social aspects of the Biblical term peace. Now I’m diving into the Spiritual side of the term.

From a spiritual understanding of peace, we are talking about peace between people and God. It is an absence of conflict with God that comes over a soul in a comforting way that can defy description. It is very much a vertical thing, God to man.

Here are some verses in the Bible that address this facet of peace:

Or else let them come to me for refuge; let them make peace with me, yes, let them make peace with me. (Isaiah 27:5)

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1)

It seems obvious then that when the Bible talks about peace the meaning for us should transcend far more than a reduction of interpersonal conflict. The Apostle Paul said the peace of God is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. I figure that if a great theologian like Paul couldn’t find the right words to describe Biblical peace, than I should get cut a little slack if I fall short in my explanation!

Regardless of my inability to nail it down, it obviously is about something well beyond an absence of interpersonal conflict!

Next time I’ll take a look at what Biblical peace might look like in the real world.

Peace!