Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Scope: Peace inquiry refers to the pursuit of understanding and achieving peace as depicted in the Bible. It encompasses the study of peace as a divine attribute, a human aspiration, and a relational state among individuals and nations. The concept of peace in the Bible is multifaceted, involving spiritual, personal, communal, and eschatological dimensions. Biblical Terminology: The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," and the Greek word "eirene" are central to the biblical understanding of peace. "Shalom" implies completeness, welfare, and harmony, while "eirene" often denotes tranquility and the absence of conflict. Divine Peace: God is frequently described as the source and embodiment of peace. In Judges 6:24, Gideon builds an altar to the LORD and calls it "The LORD Is Peace." Isaiah 9:6 prophesies the coming of the Messiah as the "Prince of Peace," indicating that peace is integral to God's nature and His redemptive plan. Peace with God: The Bible emphasizes the necessity of peace between humanity and God, disrupted by sin. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is achieved through reconciliation with God, made possible by the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Inner Peace: Believers are encouraged to experience inner peace, a state of tranquility and assurance in God's presence and promises. Philippians 4:7 assures, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is cultivated through prayer, trust, and obedience to God's Word. Peace Among Individuals: The Bible calls for peace in human relationships, urging believers to live harmoniously with others. Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This involves forgiveness, humility, and love, reflecting the peace believers have received from God. Peace Among Nations: Scripture envisions a future where nations live in peace, a theme prevalent in prophetic literature. Isaiah 2:4 envisions a time when "nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." This eschatological peace is associated with the reign of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. Role of Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is central to the biblical concept of peace. He is the mediator of peace between God and humanity and among individuals. In John 14:27, Jesus promises, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid." His teachings and sacrifice provide the foundation for true and lasting peace. Practical Application: Believers are called to be peacemakers, reflecting God's peace in their lives and communities. Matthew 5:9 declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This involves active efforts to resolve conflicts, promote justice, and extend grace and mercy to others. Eschatological Peace: The ultimate fulfillment of peace is anticipated in the new heavens and new earth, where God's presence will ensure eternal peace and harmony. Revelation 21:4 describes a future without pain, sorrow, or death, where God's peace reigns supreme. Conclusion: The biblical inquiry into peace reveals it as a profound and comprehensive theme, integral to God's character and His relationship with creation. Through Jesus Christ, believers are invited to experience and extend this peace, anticipating its complete realization in God's eternal kingdom. Subtopics Peace offerings: General Scriptures Concerning Peace offerings: Offered by David Peace offerings: Offered by Joshua Peace offerings: Offered by the Princes Peace: Blessedness of Promoting Peace: God Bestows Upon Those Who: Endure his Chastisements Peace: God Bestows Upon Those Who: Obey Him Peace: God Bestows Upon Those Who: Please Him Peace: Ministers should Exhort To Peace: Necessary to the Enjoyment of Life Peace: Pray for That of the Church Peace: Results From: Heavenly Wisdom Peace: Results From: Praying for Rulers Peace: Results From: Seeking the Peace of Those With Whom we Dwell Peace: Results From: The Government of Christ Peace: Saints should Cultivate Peace: Saints should Endeavour to Have Will all Men Peace: Saints should Follow the Things Which Make For Peace: Saints should Have, With Each Other Peace: Shall Abound in the Latter Days Peace: The Fruit of Righteousness should be Sown In Peace: The Wicked: Hypocritically Speak Spiritual Peace is Through the Atonement of Christ Spiritual Peace of Saints: Abundant Spiritual Peace of Saints: Consummated After Death Spiritual Peace of Saints: Great Spiritual Peace of Saints: Passes all Understanding Spiritual Peace of Saints: Secure Spiritual Peace: A Fruit of the Spirit Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: Acquaintance With God Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: Faith Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: Righteousness Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: Spiritual-Mindedness Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: The Love of God's Law Spiritual Peace: Announced by Angels Spiritual Peace: Bequeathed by Christ Spiritual Peace: Christ Guides Into the Way of Spiritual Peace: Christ is Our Spiritual Peace: Christ is the Lord of Spiritual Peace: Christ is the Prince of Spiritual Peace: Divine Wisdom is the Way of Spiritual Peace: Established by Covenant Spiritual Peace: Follows Upon Justification Spiritual Peace: God is the God of Spiritual Peace: God Speaks, to his Saints Spiritual Peace: Preached by Christ Spiritual Peace: Preached by Ministers Spiritual Peace: Preached: Through Christ Spiritual Peace: Promised to Returning Backsliders Spiritual Peace: Promised to Saints Spiritual Peace: Promised to The Church Spiritual Peace: Promised to The Gentiles Spiritual Peace: Promised to The Meek Spiritual Peace: Promised to Those Who Confide in God Spiritual Peace: Saints: Blessed With Spiritual Peace: Saints: Die In Spiritual Peace: Saints: Enjoy Spiritual Peace: Saints: Have in Christ Spiritual Peace: Saints: Have, With God Spiritual Peace: Saints: Kept By Spiritual Peace: Saints: Kept in Perfect Spiritual Peace: Saints: Repose In Spiritual Peace: Saints: Ruled By Spiritual Peace: Saints: Wish, to Each Other Spiritual Peace: Supports Under Trials Spiritual Peace: The Benediction of Ministers should Be Spiritual Peace: The Gospel is Good Tidings of Spiritual Peace: The Wicked are Promised, by False Teachers Spiritual Peace: The Wicked: Know not the Things of Spiritual Peace: The Wicked: Know not the Way of Spiritual Peace: The Wicked: Promise, to Themselves Spiritual Peace: The Wicked: There is None For Spiritual Peace: we should Love Related Terms |