Topical Bible: Peace: The Church Shall Enjoy

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The concept of peace is a central theme in the Christian faith, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible. The peace that the Church shall enjoy is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of spiritual well-being and harmony that comes from a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This peace is both a present reality and a future promise for the Church, the body of believers.

Biblical Foundation

The peace that the Church experiences is grounded in the work of Jesus Christ. 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, as it is rooted in the eternal and unchanging nature of God.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this peace in his epistles. In Philippians 4:7, he writes, "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 human comprehension and serves as a protective guard over the hearts and minds of believers.

Peace as a Present Reality

The Church is called to live in peace as a reflection of its unity in Christ. Ephesians 4:3 exhorts believers to be "diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This unity is a testament to the reconciling work of Christ, who "Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility" (Ephesians 2:14).

The early Church exemplified this peace in their communal life. Acts 9:31 describes a period of peace for the Church: "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord." This peace was not merely external but was accompanied by spiritual growth and reverence for God.

Peace as a Future Promise

The ultimate peace that the Church shall enjoy is eschatological, pointing to the future fulfillment of God's kingdom. Isaiah 9:7 prophesies about the reign of the Messiah: "Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore."

Revelation 21:4-5 provides a vision of the consummation of this peace: "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." The Church looks forward to this time when God's peace will be fully realized, and all creation will be restored to its intended harmony.

Living in Peace

Believers are called to actively pursue peace in their lives and communities. Romans 12:18 instructs, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This pursuit of peace is a reflection of the transformative power of the Gospel and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Church's mission includes being peacemakers, as Jesus declared in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This calling involves not only personal peace but also working towards reconciliation and justice in the world, embodying the peace of Christ in all areas of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 125:5
As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be on Israel.
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Psalm 128:6
Yes, you shall see your children's children, and peace on Israel.
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Isaiah 2:4
And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
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Hosea 2:18
And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.
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Library

Because of Its Bearing Upon the Church.
... follow His steps." The Hope of the Church then lies ... In contrast to the wicked who
have "no peace," the saint ... water" of which those who drink shall "never thirst ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/3 because of its bearing upon.htm

Following in all Things the Decisions of the Holy Fathers...
... Pontus, of Asia, and of Thrace, as well as the Barbarian bishops shall be ordained ...
made with a view to the general good and peace of the Church, and liable ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xxviii following in all.htm

Of the Peace which is Enjoyed by the People that are Alienated ...
... be lightly esteemed, though, indeed, it shall not in ... are commingled, we also enjoy
the peace of Babylon ... therefore the apostle also admonished the Church to pray ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 26 of the peace which.htm

1 Cor. I. 3-Jan
... thus: "Paul and Sosthenes to the Church of God ... whole life is made prosperous, through
peace one with ... other love which is divine, and shall enjoy immortal glory ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily i 1 cor i.htm

The God of Peace
... Instead of avarice I shall commence with error. ... Error in doctrine leads to the most
lamentable consequences with regard to the peace of the church. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the god of peace.htm

What is the Communion in Glory with Christ which the Members of ...
... Answer: The members of the invisible church have communicated ... enjoy the sense of
God's love, peace of conscience ... of their torments which they shall endure after ...
/.../anonymous/the westminster larger catechism/question 83 0 0 what is the.htm

The Westminster Standards in America.
... to take order, that unity and peace be preserved ... of civil magistrates to protect
the Church of our ... that all ecclesiastical persons whatever shall enjoy the full ...
/.../ 98 the westminster standards.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... finally, as part of the triumphant church, possess and ... 9 Blessed are the peacemakers:
for they shall be called ... [The term includes all who make peace between men ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 2.htm

Peace
... 3.) Ecclesiastical, or peace in the church. ... Of his government and peace there shall
be no end ... stormy; so the winds of temptation blowing, disturb peace of spirit ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in Heaven.
... law is love"the honour, verity"the peace, felicity"the ... 1.) And Christ prayeth for
his whole church to obtain ... And in him we shall enjoy them in a far more ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the blessed state.htm