Topical Bible: Peace on Earth

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Concept
The concept of "Peace on Earth" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, symbolizing a state of harmony, tranquility, and the absence of conflict among individuals and nations. It is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, reflecting God's ultimate plan for His creation. Peace, in the biblical sense, is not merely the absence of war or strife but encompasses a holistic sense of well-being, prosperity, and reconciliation with God and others.

Old Testament Foundations
The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," appears frequently in the Old Testament and conveys a sense of completeness and wholeness. In the prophetic literature, peace is often associated with the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom. Isaiah 9:6-7 prophesies the birth of a ruler who will be called the "Prince of Peace," whose government and peace will have no end. This messianic expectation is further echoed in Micah 4:3-4 , where the prophet envisions a time when nations will "beat their swords into plowshares" and "no one will make them afraid."

New Testament Fulfillment
The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these Old Testament prophecies in the person of Jesus Christ. At His birth, the angels proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!" (Luke 2:14). Jesus Himself taught about peace, offering it as a gift to His followers: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). This peace is not as the world gives but is rooted in a restored relationship with God through Christ.

The Role of the Church
The early church understood its mission as one of spreading the message of peace through the gospel. The Apostle Paul frequently wrote about peace, urging believers to live in harmony with one another and to be peacemakers. In Ephesians 2:14-17 , Paul explains that Christ Himself is our peace, having broken down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity. The church is called to be an agent of reconciliation, embodying the peace of Christ in a fractured world.

Eschatological Hope
The ultimate realization of "Peace on Earth" is eschatological, pointing to the future return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Revelation 21:3-4 describes a new heaven and a new earth where God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. This vision of peace is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where all creation is restored to its intended harmony.

Practical Implications
Believers are called to pursue peace in their daily lives, reflecting the character of Christ. Romans 12:18 exhorts, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This involves actively seeking reconciliation, promoting justice, and demonstrating love and forgiveness. The pursuit of peace is both a personal and communal endeavor, as the church collectively witnesses to the peace of Christ in a world marked by division and conflict.

Conclusion
While the full realization of "Peace on Earth" awaits the return of Christ, believers are invited to experience and extend God's peace in the present age. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christians are empowered to live as peacemakers, anticipating the day when God's peace will reign supreme over all creation.

Topical Bible Verses

Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 10:34
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Topicalbible.org

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Peace on Earth through Righteousness
... II Peace on Earth Through Righteousness. And the work of righteousness shall be
peace: and the effect of righteousness quietness and confidence forever. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/van dyke/what peace means/ii peace on earth through.htm

CM Anonymous. Glory to God, through Peace on Earth.
... Glory to God, Through Peace on Earth. ... Peace on earth!" Let us repeat again The hymn
that hailed the Saviour's birth," "Peace and good will to men!" ...
/.../book of hymns for public and private devotion/422 c m anonymous glory.htm

Longfellow. Peace on Earth.
... VIII. VARIOUS OCCASIONS. 421. 11 & 10s. M. Longfellow. Peace on Earth. 1
Down the dark future, through long generations, The sounds ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/421 11 & 10s m.htm

The Power of an Endless Life
... It is this message of immortality that makes religion vital to the human world
to-day, and essential to the foundation of peace on earth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/van dyke/what peace means/iii the power of an.htm

Psalm CXXVI.
... good will. For what dost thou sow? Mercy. And what wilt thou reap? Peace.
Said the Angels, Peace on earth unto rich men? No, but ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxvi.htm

Peace in the Soul
... said a memorable thing about the winning of the war: "Our victory will be the fruit
of individual sacrifice." So of the coming of peace on earth we may say the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/van dyke/what peace means/i peace in the soul.htm

By the Sacrifice of Christ all Things are Restored, and Peace is ...
... Chapter 62."By the Sacrifice of Christ All Things are Restored, and Peace
is Made Between Earth and Heaven. And, of course, the ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 62 by the sacrifice of.htm

What Peace Means
... Title Page. FOREWORD. I Peace in the Soul. II Peace on Earth Through Righteousness.
III The Power of an Endless Life. [ Prev] [Top] [Next ]. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/van dyke/what peace means/

Psalm CXII.
... yet he who loveth the peace of this building together, shall have great delight
in them; nor ought he to despair, since there is "peace on earth for men of ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxii.htm

Special Efforts
... lowered, and a living representation showed the shepherds feeding their flocks at
Bethlehem, and the angel choir proclaiming 'Peace on earth and goodwill to men ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/vi special efforts.htm