Topical Bible: Peace: Saints should Follow

◄ Peace: Saints should Follow ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of well-being and harmony that stems from a right relationship with God and others. The Bible consistently exhorts believers to pursue peace as an essential aspect of their faith and conduct.

Biblical Exhortations to Pursue Peace

The call for saints to follow peace is rooted in numerous scriptural passages. In the Beatitudes, Jesus pronounces a blessing on peacemakers: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This declaration underscores the divine approval and identity bestowed upon those who actively seek to foster peace.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently urges believers to live in peace. In Romans 12:18, he writes, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" . This instruction acknowledges the challenges of maintaining peace but emphasizes the believer's responsibility to strive for it as much as possible.

Furthermore, in his letter to the Colossians, Paul encourages the community to let peace govern their hearts: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful" (Colossians 3:15). Here, peace is depicted as a guiding principle that should dominate the inner life of the believer, fostering unity and gratitude within the body of Christ.

Peace as a Fruit of the Spirit

Peace is also identified as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" . This passage highlights that peace is a natural outgrowth of a life led by the Holy Spirit. It is not merely a human endeavor but a divine quality that the Spirit cultivates within the believer.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of peace. His life and teachings consistently modeled peace, even in the face of opposition and suffering. In John 14:27, Jesus offers His peace to 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 His presence and promises.

Practical Pursuit of Peace

The pursuit of peace involves both personal and communal dimensions. Personally, believers are called to cultivate inner peace through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and reliance on God's promises. Communally, they are encouraged to resolve conflicts, forgive offenses, and promote reconciliation within their families, churches, and broader communities.

Hebrews 12:14 exhorts believers to "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord" . This pursuit is integral to the Christian witness and reflects the transformative power of the Gospel in the life of the believer.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for saints to follow peace is clear and compelling. It is a divine calling that reflects the character of God and the teachings of Christ. As believers seek to embody peace, they become instruments of God's grace and agents of His kingdom in a world often marked by division and strife.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

All Saints' Day
... darkness, strong winds and bad times, then the Saints mourn over all ... Still, those
in whom this peace is to be found ... he is unworthy of it; and it should fill him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm

The Eleventh Chapter: Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection
... WE SHOULD enjoy much peace if we did not concern ourselves ... simple of heart for they
shall enjoy peace in abundance ... Why were some of the saints so perfect and so ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the eleventh chapter acquiring peace.htm

Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
... fact of their election, lest it should be a ... be that, although they were real saints,
nevertheless they ... Saviour Jesus Christ: 2. Grace and peace be multiplied ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlviii perseverance of the.htm

Shewing How a Simple and Ready Obedience is the Only Means of for ...
... for a Soul to purchase it self true peace of Heart ... to Err, that he may preserve,
tho' it should be with ... this is the common Doctrine of all the Saints, of all ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap ix shewing how a.htm

God and his Saints
... sitting down at Thy feet' we should read 'followed ... shepherd, so, this singer felt,
will saints follow the God ... So, dear brethren, the peace, the strength, the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/god and his saints.htm

Of the Ordering of all the virtues through the Seven Gifts of the ...
... the most tranquil, and have the most peace in themselves ... abide in oneness with God,
and should eternally flow forth with God and all His saints in universal love ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxiii of the ordering.htm

The Signs of the Redeemer's Return
... For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden ... certain that the rapture of
the saints may occur ... things concerning the Lord when He should appear: fore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/chapter six the signs of.htm

Inward Mortification and Perfect Resignation are Necessary for ...
... a great purity of mind and heart, great peace of soul ... denial is above all the Miracles
of the Saints; and it ... But although it should be a long time before thou ...
/.../chap vii inward mortification and.htm

The Peace of God
All Saints' Day and Other Sermons. ... tempted to judge; and if I judged, I should most
certainly ... and so they spend their lives without peace, longing, struggling ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxv the peace of.htm

Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth.
... should be cast into prison""because should this happen ... the things which belong to
their peace, and by ... in the text, by decreeing adoration to departed saints. ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxvii departed saints fellow.htm