Spiritual peace is a profound and enduring tranquility that believers experience as a result of being justified by faith in Jesus Christ. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict or turmoil but a deep-seated assurance and restfulness that comes from being reconciled with God. It is a central theme in Christian theology and is intricately linked to the doctrine of justification.

Justification and Peace with God

The concept of justification is foundational to understanding spiritual peace. Justification is the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This divine acquittal is not based on human merit but solely on the grace of God through the redemptive work of Christ. The Apostle Paul articulates this in Romans 5:1 : "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

This peace with God is the immediate result of justification. It signifies the end of enmity between the sinner and the Creator, as the believer is no longer under the wrath of God but is now in a state of grace. The reconciliation achieved through Christ's atoning sacrifice brings about a harmonious relationship with God, which is the essence of spiritual peace.

The Nature of Spiritual Peace

Spiritual peace is characterized by several key attributes:

1. Inner Tranquility: This peace transcends external circumstances and is rooted in the believer's relationship with God. It is a peace that "surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7), guarding the hearts and minds of those who are in Christ Jesus.

2. Assurance of Salvation: Spiritual peace provides the believer with confidence in their salvation and standing before God. This assurance is grounded in the promises of Scripture and the faithfulness of God, who has justified them.

3. Freedom from Fear and Anxiety: The justified believer is liberated from the fear of judgment and the anxiety of striving for righteousness through works. Romans 8:1 affirms, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

4. Harmony with Others: Spiritual peace extends beyond the individual to foster unity and reconciliation within the body of Christ. Ephesians 2:14 states, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility."

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in imparting and sustaining spiritual peace. As the Comforter, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, producing the fruit of peace in their lives (Galatians 5:22). The Spirit continually reminds believers of their justified status and the love of God, reinforcing their peace and security in Christ.

Peace as a Guide and Guard

Spiritual peace serves as both a guide and a guard for the believer. Colossians 3:15 exhorts, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body." This peace acts as an umpire, directing believers in their decisions and interactions, ensuring that they align with God's will.

Moreover, spiritual peace acts as a protective barrier against the assaults of doubt and despair. It is a stabilizing force that enables believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even amidst trials and tribulations.

Conclusion

Spiritual peace, as a result of justification, is a profound gift from God that transforms the believer's life. It is a peace that is rooted in the finished work of Christ, sustained by the Holy Spirit, and manifested in a life of faith and obedience. This peace not only reconciles the believer with God but also empowers them to live in harmony with others, reflecting the peace of Christ to a world in need.Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Spiritual Peace
... Spiritual Peace. A Sermon (No.300). ... Taken follows another"love. ... I do not wonder that
a man who believes Arminian doctrine, for instance, has little peace. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/spiritual peace.htm

Justification by Faith
... What peace can there be, while our own heart ... our bodily senses, as being either past,
future, or spiritual. ... times ten thousand?) it plainly follows, that faith ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 5 justification by faith.htm

Theological Reconstruction
... attainment of good, for our spiritual peace and victory ... inward one, an ethical and
spiritual work, the ... transformation of man's character follows upon the work ...
/.../chapter iii theological reconstruction.htm

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... verse), which runs in our version as follows: "Simon Peter ... to you at this juncture
of your spiritual history. ... being justified by faith, we have peace with God ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... There can be no real happiness without spiritual life"holy ... of them destruction lurks,
and misery yet follows them at the heels.3. 'The way of peace have they ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

Concerning Justification.
... Ambassadors are not sent after a peace already perfected ... that this life is an inward,
spiritual thing revealed ... the soul whereby it necessarily follows, by the ...
/.../proposition vii concerning justification.htm

Its Results
... in power to the heart there always follows a walk to the ... or not they have in them
those spiritual graces which ... being justified by faith, we have peace with God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/10 its results.htm

Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness ...
... From whence it necessarily follows, that by those who are ... all things belonging to
our everlasting Peace and Happiness. ... the Author of that spiritual and eternal ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the appearance of.htm

Justification.
... 2. Those which are purely spiritual. ... for our iniquities; the chastisement of our
peace was upon ... Westminster Confession of Faith affirms as follows: chapter on ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxvi justification.htm

Sanctification
... justified, therefore, the verses would read as follows: "Who shall ... And the very God
of peace sanctify you ... It is the growth of that spiritual nature which after ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/sanctification.htm

What does it mean that Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian promote world peace? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to have peace with God? | GotQuestions.org

Peace: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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