Spiritual peace is a profound state of tranquility and reconciliation with God, often promised to those who have strayed from their faith but choose to return. The Bible offers numerous assurances of peace to backsliders who repent and seek restoration with God. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep-seated harmony with the divine will, characterized by the presence of God’s Spirit.

Biblical Promises of Peace to the Repentant

The concept of spiritual peace for returning backsliders is rooted in the character of God as merciful and forgiving. In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah speaks to the heart of this promise: "Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon" (Isaiah 55:7). This passage highlights the readiness of God to forgive and restore peace to those who turn back to Him.

Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, also conveys God’s promise of peace to the repentant. In Jeremiah 3:22, God calls out, "Return, O backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." This healing is synonymous with the restoration of peace, as God’s forgiveness brings about a renewed relationship with Him.

New Testament Assurance

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the peace that comes through reconciliation with God. In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), Jesus illustrates the joy and peace that accompany a sinner’s return to the Father. The father’s embrace of the returning son symbolizes God’s readiness to restore peace and fellowship with those who repent.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this peace 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 accessible to all who turn back to God, acknowledging their need for His grace and forgiveness.

The Role of Repentance and Faith

Repentance is a critical component in the restoration of spiritual peace. It involves a genuine turning away from sin and a heartfelt return to God. The prophet Joel calls for such repentance, saying, "Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion" (Joel 2:13). This turning back is met with God’s promise of peace, as He delights in restoring His people.

Faith in Jesus Christ is also essential for experiencing spiritual peace. Through faith, believers are justified and reconciled to God, resulting in peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the believer’s relationship with God.

The Holy Spirit as the Source of Peace

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in imparting peace to the believer. Jesus promised His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). This peace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers, guiding and comforting them. The fruit of the Spirit includes peace (Galatians 5:22), indicating that a life led by the Spirit is marked by tranquility and harmony with God.

Conclusion

The promise of spiritual peace to returning backsliders is a testament to God’s enduring love and mercy. Through repentance and faith, believers can experience the profound peace that comes from being reconciled to God, a peace that is sustained by the presence of the Holy Spirit.Isaiah 57:18,19
I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... All who feel the leprosy of sin are invited to this spiritual Physician, and he ... hath
given to Christ to keep them; those that Christ hath promised eternal life ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

The Christian Described
... together, talk of what your Father promised you; you ... thee go upright; this doctrine
puts spiritual and heavenly ... etc., they might have more peace, live better ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xii the christian described.htm

Chapter xxxi
... way of saying that what He had promised then to do ... especially for men on the lower
spiritual level, is ... Jacob's personal readiness to preserve peace and harmony ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxi.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... such fearful ravages as in others, the slightest taint conveys moral, spiritual,
and eternal ... or four times over, that God had mercy for backsliders, they broke ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Did Jesus come to bring peace on earth? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about peace? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about inner peace? | GotQuestions.org

Peace: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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