Topical Bible: Peace: God Bestows Upon Those Who: Please Him

◄ Peace: God Bestows Upon Those Who: Please Him ►

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In the biblical narrative, peace is often depicted as a divine gift bestowed upon those who live in accordance with God's will. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of well-being and harmony that permeates the believer's life. The concept of peace in the Bible is deeply intertwined with righteousness, obedience, and faithfulness to God.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding peace as a blessing from God. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the word "shalom" is used to describe peace, encompassing completeness, welfare, and tranquility. Proverbs 16:7 states, "When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." This verse highlights the principle that divine favor and peace are granted to those who align their lives with God's commandments.

The covenantal relationship between God and Israel is a recurring theme where peace is promised as a reward for obedience. Leviticus 26:3-6 illustrates this: "If you follow My statutes and carefully keep My commandments... I will give peace to the land, and you will lie down with no one to frighten you." Here, peace is contingent upon the people's faithfulness to God's laws.

Prophetic Promises

The prophets also speak of peace as a future hope for those who remain faithful. Isaiah 26:3 declares, "You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You." This assurance of peace is linked to trust and reliance on God, suggesting that inner tranquility is a result of a steadfast relationship with the Divine.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of peace is further developed through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus is often referred to as the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), and His ministry emphasizes the peace that comes from reconciliation with God. 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." This peace is distinct from worldly peace, rooted in the assurance of salvation and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the theme of peace in his epistles. In Romans 5:1 , he writes, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Here, peace is presented as a result of justification and a restored relationship with God through faith in Christ.

Practical Implications

For believers, living a life that pleases God involves pursuing righteousness, practicing love and forgiveness, and maintaining a steadfast faith. Philippians 4:6-7 offers practical guidance: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage underscores the importance of prayer and gratitude in cultivating a peaceful heart.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of peace is a multifaceted gift from God, intricately linked to a life of obedience, faith, and trust in Him. It is a peace that transcends human understanding, providing believers with a sense of security and well-being that is rooted in their relationship with the Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 16:7
I will bless the LORD, who has given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter xiii. --Peace and Confidence.
... our spiritual progress and the virtues He bestows upon us without ... of the wisdom and
goodness of our God, who is ... in the soul, keeps it always in peace in the ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter xiii peace and confidence.htm

Letter viii. --violent Temptations.
... would those of the body; in patience, peace, submission, confidence ... many souls that
I know, if God were to ... them all the consoling advantages He bestows upon you ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter viii violent temptations.htm

Its Results
... being justified by faith, we have peace with God ... believed; sensibly so when the Spirit
bestows joyous assurance ... the Day of Judgment, when God shall sententiously ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/10 its results.htm

Eighth Sunday after Trinity Living in the Spirit as God's Children ...
... grace, without any merit on our part, bestows upon us the ... terror and fear of sin
and given peace, and the ... supplication which in faith expects of God an answer ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/eighth sunday after trinity living.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... ways are ways of pleasantness, and their paths peace. ... That which God works in us,
in regeneration and ... the agency of the Holy Spirit, bestows enabling grace ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

Speaks of the Manner in which God Communicates with the Soul by ...
... When you have conferred with these persons, be at peace; trouble yourself ... it to become
a great servant of God, but sometimes our Lord bestows it on ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter viii speaks of the.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... in the mouth; they preach glad tidings of peace; their work ... may see how well it pleases
God, he bestows a reward ... in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

The Church of God.
... of saints here upon the earth where peace rules ... God, or Christ, who was God manifested
in the flesh, built ... He bestows upon it the fond title of Bride: "He that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vii the church of.htm

Three Things Briefly to be Regarded in Christ --viz. His Offices ...
... the kingdom of God" is "righteousness, and peace, and joy ... teach what the kingdom
of Christ bestows upon us ... 1:6), offer ourselves and our all to God, and freely ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 three things briefly.htm

The Chorus of Angels
... By faith in His name they obtained peace with God, they renounced ... They are instructed
how to walk and to please God, how to bear ... But He bestows and maintains it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlix the chorus of.htm