Topical Bible: Peace: God is the Author of

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In the biblical narrative, peace is a central theme that is intricately woven throughout the Scriptures, portraying God as its ultimate author and source. The concept of peace in the Bible, often represented by the Hebrew word "shalom" and the Greek word "eirene," encompasses not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of wholeness, harmony, and well-being.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding God as the author of peace. In the creation account, God establishes a world of order and harmony, reflecting His nature as a God of peace. The fall of humanity introduces discord and strife, yet God's intention for peace remains evident. In Numbers 6:24-26, the Aaronic blessing highlights God's role in bestowing peace: "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" .

Throughout Israel's history, God is depicted as the one who grants peace to His people. In Leviticus 26:6, God promises, "I will give peace to the land, and you will lie down with nothing to fear" . The prophetic literature also anticipates a future era of peace brought about by the Messiah. Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" .

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God's promise of peace through Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, Jesus is portrayed as the embodiment of divine peace. At His birth, the angels announce, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests" (Luke 2:14). Jesus' ministry is marked by His role as a peacemaker, reconciling humanity to God and breaking down barriers of hostility.

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 not merely the absence of trouble but a profound sense of security and well-being rooted in a relationship with God.

The Apostle Paul further expounds on the peace of God 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" . This peace is a result of reconciliation with God, made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus.

God's Peace in the Believer's Life

For believers, God's peace is both a present reality and a future hope. Philippians 4:7 promises, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" . This peace is a divine gift that transcends circumstances and provides inner tranquility.

The fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22, includes peace, indicating that it is a characteristic of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to be peacemakers, reflecting God's peace in their relationships and interactions with others. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" .

Eschatological Peace

The Bible concludes with the promise of ultimate peace in the eschatological vision of the new heavens and new earth. Revelation 21:4 describes a future where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. This consummation of peace is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where His presence will dwell with His people in perfect harmony.

Throughout the Scriptures, God is consistently portrayed as the author and giver of peace, offering it as a gift to humanity through His covenantal promises, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 147:14
He makes peace in your borders, and fills you with the finest of the wheat.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 45:7
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The God of Peace
... He is in no sense whatever the author of the ... God did not create this world for strife.
When he first fashioned it, peace, peace, peace, was the universal order ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the god of peace.htm

Evil of Two Kinds, Penal and Criminal it is not of the Latter Sort ...
... who "creates [2867] evil," but also "makes peace;" [2868] "so that ... its own
author,"the devil as the author of the sinful evils (culp??), and God as the ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xiv evil of two kinds.htm

Whosoever Confesses that one God is the Author of Both Testaments ...
... XXXIII."Whosoever confesses that one God is the author of both ... who are destitute
of the love of God, and who ... destroy it,"men who prate of peace while they ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiii whosoever confesses that one.htm

One and the Same God the Father Inflicts Punishment on the ...
... same Father is manifestly declared [in this passage], "making peace and creating ...
had designed to make [man] the enemy of God, against the author of it ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xl one and the same.htm

"God with Us"
... he charges upon the Creator, leading men to look upon God as the author of sin ... To
assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 1 god with us.htm

Peace
... Whence comes this Peace? It has the whole Trinity for its author. God the
Father is the God of peace.' 1 Thessalonians 5:53. God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

The Author and the End of Theology
... We have made the Author of it to be Christ and God, at the ... of discovery, "the love
of Christ which passeth knowledge, and the peace of God which passeth all ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration ii the author and.htm

Purity and Peace in the Present Lord
... heard and saw in me, these things practise+ (prassette), make them the habits of
your lives; and so +the God of peace+, Author and Giver of peace within, and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moule/philippian studies/chapter xi purity and peace.htm

What 'the Gospel' Is
... The good news of Christ and of God is the gospel of ... same letter (vi.15) of 'the gospel
of peace.' In these ... we pass from the consideration of the author or of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/what the gospel is.htm

An Exhortation to the People of God not to be Discouraged in their ...
... a rest to the people of God; but the author of the ... of pleasantness, and all her paths
are peace; then, you ... which is prepared for the people of God, where all ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/an exhortation to the people.htm