Topical Bible: Peace: Necessary to the Enjoyment of Life

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Peace, as a concept deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, is essential for the enjoyment and fulfillment of life. The Bible presents peace not merely as the absence of conflict but as a profound sense of well-being and harmony that permeates one's relationship with God, others, and oneself.

Biblical Foundation of Peace

The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," encompasses completeness, welfare, and tranquility. In the New Testament, the Greek word "eirene" carries similar connotations. Peace is a divine gift, integral to God's covenant with His people. In Numbers 6:24-26 , the Aaronic blessing highlights peace as a divine favor: "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."

Peace with God

Peace with God is foundational to the Christian life. 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 a result of reconciliation through Christ's atoning sacrifice, restoring the broken relationship between humanity and the Creator. It is a peace that surpasses understanding, guarding the hearts and minds of believers (Philippians 4:7).

Peace in Human Relationships

The Bible emphasizes the importance of peace in human relationships. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). Christians are called to pursue peace with all people (Hebrews 12:14), reflecting the character of Christ, who is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). The apostle Paul exhorts believers to live in harmony and to be at peace with one another (Romans 12:18).

Inner Peace

Inner peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is vital for personal well-being. Jesus offers His peace to His followers, distinct from the peace the world gives (John 14:27). This peace is rooted in trust and reliance on God's sovereignty and goodness. Isaiah 26:3 assures, "You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You."

Peace and the Enjoyment of Life

The enjoyment of life is intricately linked to the presence of peace. Proverbs 17:1 observes, "Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife." Peace fosters an environment where joy, contentment, and gratitude can flourish. It allows individuals to experience the fullness of life as intended by God, free from the turmoil and anxiety that disrupts the soul.

Eternal Peace

The ultimate fulfillment of peace is found in the eschatological hope of the new heavens and new earth, where God will dwell with His people in perfect harmony. Revelation 21:4 promises, "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 eternal peace is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where His people will enjoy unbroken fellowship with Him forever.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 34:12,14
What man is he that desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 3:10,11
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Life of the Blessed in Heaven.
... is evident, this peace is absolutely necessary to enjoy ... Haman, that he could enjoy
neither peace nor happiness ... we live a life of perfect enjoyment; not merely ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter ix the life of.htm

That the Peace of those who Serve God Cannot in this Mortal Life ...
... the solace of our misery than the positive enjoyment of felicity ... But, in that final
peace to which all our ... or from others, it will not be necessary that reason ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 27 that the peace of.htm

What Produces Peace, and what Discord, Between the Heavenly and ...
... the earthly city, whereby the things necessary for the ... in the perfectly ordered and
harmonious enjoyment of God ... we shall have reached that peace, this mortal ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 17 what produces peace and.htm

Concerning Peace, and what is Meant by the Self-Existent Being ...
... one connatural friendship; and bestowing the enjoyment of Itself ... self-existent Life,
I thought it necessary, O holy ... of the self-existent Life or Peace or Power. ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput xi concerning peace and.htm

Concerning "Peace" and what is Meant by "Very Being" Itself, "Very ...
... the utmost limits of the universe the enjoyment of Its ... of Life": I have thought it
necessary, holy man ... God "Life" or "Power" and "Fount of Life, Peace, or Power ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter xi concerning peace and.htm

The Christian view of Sorrow
... But generally another and more emphatic missionary is necessary. ... the true home of
our affections and our peace. ... for a cheerful and proper enjoyment of life ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/the christian view of sorrow.htm

Of the High Felicity of Internal Peace, and the Wonderful Effects ...
... what it can well want: To die, is enjoyment to it ... life, this is its glory, its paradise,
its peace, its repose ... If it were necessary to such a Soul as this, which ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap xxi of the high.htm

Of the Conflict and Peace of the Earthly City.
... opposing parties who contested for the enjoyment of those ... are secured by eternal
victory and peace never-ending ... if this be so, then it is necessary that misery ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 4 of the conflict and.htm

Characters and Names of Messiah
... upright, for the end of that man is peace (Psalm 37 ... Such a change is equally necessary,
if you wish to live ... unfit to die, you can have no true enjoyment of life ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon ix characters and names.htm

The Twelfth Chapter: Acquiring Patience in the Fight against ...
... PATIENCE, O Lord God, is very necessary for me, I ... that you consider yourself as having
found peace when you ... incur death of soul for the miserly enjoyment of a ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the twelfth chapter acquiring patience.htm