Topical Bible: Peace: Blessedness of

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The concept of peace in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing both an inner tranquility and a harmonious relationship with God and others. The blessedness of peace is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting its significance in the life of a believer.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," signifies completeness, welfare, and harmony. It is a state of being that God desires for His people. The Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:24-26 encapsulates this divine wish: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." Here, peace is presented as a gift from God, a result of His favor and presence.

The Psalms frequently associate peace with righteousness and trust in God. Psalm 29:11 declares, "The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace." This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of security and well-being rooted in God's strength and provision.

Prophetic Promises

The prophets also speak of peace as a hallmark of the Messianic age. Isaiah 9:6 prophesies the coming of the "Prince of Peace," whose reign will bring about an everlasting peace. This peace is not only political but deeply spiritual, transforming the hearts and lives of individuals and nations.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the Greek word "eirene" carries forward the rich meaning of "shalom." Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies, embodies and imparts this peace. In John 14:27, Jesus assures His disciples, "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." The peace Jesus offers is distinct from worldly peace; it is enduring and rooted in His victory over sin and death.

The Apostle Paul frequently writes about the peace that believers experience through their relationship with Christ. In Romans 5:1, he states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is a direct result of reconciliation with God, made possible by Christ's atoning sacrifice.

Peace as a Fruit of the Spirit

Peace is also listed as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. It is a characteristic that the Holy Spirit cultivates in the life of a believer, reflecting the inner transformation that comes from walking in step with the Spirit. This peace enables believers to live in harmony with others, as encouraged in Romans 12:18: "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone."

The Role of Peace in the Christian Community

The early church was exhorted to maintain peace within the community of believers. Ephesians 4:3 urges Christians to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This peace is essential for the unity and edification of the body of Christ, fostering an environment where love and mutual support can flourish.

Eschatological Peace

Finally, the Bible points to an eschatological peace, a future reality where God's ultimate plan for peace will be fully realized. Revelation 21:4 envisions a new heaven and a new earth where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This ultimate peace is the culmination of God's redemptive work, where all creation will be restored to perfect harmony with Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That the Peace of those who Serve God Cannot in this Mortal Life ...
... And this condition shall there be eternal, and we shall be assured of its eternity;
and thus the peace of this blessedness and the blessedness of this peace ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 27 that the peace of.htm

Joy and Peace in Believing
... and not a moment longer than, you are exercising the Christian act of trust, will
you be experiencing the Christian blessedness of 'joy and peace.' Unscrew the ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/joy and peace in believing.htm

A River of Peace and Waves of Righteousness
... The great purpose of the divine Commandment is to show us, for our own sakes, the
path that leads to all blessedness. Peace and Righteousness, or, in more ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a river of peace and.htm

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
... and perpetrated this scene of weakness, mean-spiritedness, misery, and suffering
which stood out in such sharp contrast with the peace, blessedness, and glory ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxx third withdrawal from herods 5.htm

Of the High Felicity of Internal Peace, and the Wonderful Effects ...
... how admirable and unspeakable art thou, for thou art the very draught of blessedness! ...
me a good portion of this heavenly happiness and true peace, that the ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap xxi of the high.htm

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on ...
... You have then here, three things of special concernment in these times; and all
times, a blessedness, a perfect peace attainable, the way of it, and the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xii thou shall keep.htm

A Homily on the Beatitudes, St. Matt. v. 9-Jan
... of God. For to the attainment of this we understand what follows to lead.
IX. The blessedness of peace-making. "Blessed are the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xcv a homily on.htm

Inward Solitude is that which Chiefly Brings a Man to the Purchase ...
... go on, without stop, towards this blessedness of internal Solitude: See how God
calls ... and shew thee a new and Heavenly Kingdom, full of joy, peace, content and ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap xii inward solitude is.htm

The Reward Prepared for the Saints after they have Endured the ...
... Here, indeed, we are said to be blessed when we have such peace as can be enjoyed
in a good life; but such blessedness is mere misery compared to that final ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 10 the reward prepared for.htm

The Blessedness of Obeying God's Word.
... We are encouraged to obedience by being told of the blessedness of keeping ... land."
"Hadst thou hearkened unto my commandments, then wouldst thy peace be like a ...
/.../orr/how to live a holy life/the blessedness of obeying gods.htm