Topical Bible: Spiritual Peace: Promised to The Church

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Spiritual peace, as promised to the Church, is a profound theme woven throughout the New Testament, reflecting the fulfillment of God's covenant through Jesus Christ. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep, abiding sense of well-being and harmony with God, rooted in the reconciliation brought about by Christ's atoning work.

Biblical Foundation

The promise of spiritual peace is anchored in the words of Jesus Christ, who assured His followers of a peace that transcends worldly understanding. In John 14:27, Jesus declares, "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 the temporary and often superficial peace offered by the world; it is a divine gift that calms the troubled heart and dispels fear.

The Apostle Paul further elucidates this concept in his epistles, emphasizing that peace is a fruit of the Spirit and a hallmark of the Christian life. In Romans 5:1, Paul writes, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is a direct result of justification, a legal declaration of righteousness before God, which restores the broken relationship between humanity and the Creator.

Peace as a Corporate Promise

While individual believers experience spiritual peace, it is also a collective promise to the Church, the body of Christ. Ephesians 2:14-16 highlights this corporate dimension: "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility."

This passage underscores the unifying power of Christ's peace, which breaks down barriers and fosters unity among believers, transcending ethnic, cultural, and social divisions. The Church, as a unified body, is called to live out this peace, serving as a testament to the reconciling work of Christ.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in imparting and sustaining spiritual peace within the Church. Galatians 5:22 lists peace as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that it is a natural outgrowth of a life led by the Spirit. The Spirit empowers believers to maintain peace in their hearts and relationships, guiding them in the pursuit of holiness and unity.

Furthermore, Philippians 4:6-7 provides practical guidance for experiencing this peace: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Through prayer and reliance on God, believers are assured of a peace that protects and stabilizes their inner being, even amidst life's uncertainties.

Eschatological Fulfillment

The promise of spiritual peace to the Church also carries an eschatological dimension, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom. Revelation 21:3-4 envisions a future where peace is fully realized: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. 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.'"

In this consummation, the Church will experience perfect peace in the presence of God, free from the trials and tribulations of the present age. This hope sustains believers, encouraging them to persevere in faith and embody the peace of Christ in their lives and communities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 66:12
For thus said the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall you suck, you shall be borne on her sides, and be dandled on her knees.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter Lxix. (AD 402. )
... May that eternal peace which is promised to the Church ... was consulting not his own
indolence, but their peace. ... hold you in the bond of spiritual love, because ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxix a d 402.htm

But, Say They, How is the Flesh by a Certain Likeness Compared ...
... because not as yet hath the Church received that peace which was promised perfect. ...
Lastly, why should we not confess that in spiritual men the Church is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on continence/section 25 but say they.htm

Epistle viii. To the Martyrs and Confessors.
... contest,"the contest of God, the spiritual contest, the ... Lord, waged by the apostles,
Mappalicus promised again to ... of the mercy of God, peace shall supervene ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle viii to the martyrs.htm

Peace
... A spiritual peace, which is twofold; peace above us, or peace ... God has proclaimed
it: nay, he has promised us victory. ... No way to peace, but by maintaining a war ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

The Gift of the Spirit
... the hope that filled their hearts with peace and joy ... time when, through a special
endowment of spiritual power, they ... use the power that God has promised to His ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 5 the gift of.htm

The Advocate Promised.
... The Spirit promised is more than a Comforter ... He is our Strength, our Peace-giver,
a present help in ... by faith, love and obedience, have a spiritual perception of ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the advocate promised.htm

An Era of Spiritual Darkness
... may come in to bring pardon and peace, and who ... the pains and penalties incurred,
were promised to all ... exterminate those who dared deny his spiritual supremacy. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 3 an era of.htm

Happiness Deriving from Perfect Uniformity.
... This is the peace promised by the angel of the Nativity ... soul; in the superior part
will reign peace and tranquillity ... who would teach him the real spiritual life ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/3 happiness deriving from perfect.htm

The Bequest of Peace.
... receive from the Apostles is the requisite and promised complement of ... laws of our
nature and of our spiritual growth ... us the fixed and clear idea of peace as our ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xi the bequest of peace.htm

Raymond Lull.
... Since the Holy Sepulchre and the Promised Land can ... will not go forth to seek spiritual
peace as ye ... far more beautiful would be that holy Church which consists ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/raymond lull.htm