Spiritual peace is a profound state of tranquility and harmony that believers experience through their relationship with God. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding, rooted in the assurance of God's sovereignty and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This peace is a defining characteristic of the saints, who are called to live under its rule as they navigate the complexities of life.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of spiritual peace is deeply embedded in Scripture. In the Old Testament, peace (Hebrew: "shalom") encompasses completeness, welfare, and harmony. The New Testament expands on this, presenting peace as a fruit of the Spirit and a gift from Christ Himself. Jesus declared, "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" (John 14:27). This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of well-being and assurance in God's promises.

Peace as a Governing Principle

For the saints, spiritual peace is not just an internal state but a governing principle that influences their actions and decisions. Colossians 3:15 exhorts believers, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful" . Here, the peace of Christ is depicted as an umpire, guiding and directing the hearts of the faithful. This peace acts as a stabilizing force, enabling believers to remain steadfast amidst trials and uncertainties.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in imparting and sustaining spiritual peace. Galatians 5:22 lists peace as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that it is a natural outcome of a life yielded to the Spirit's influence. The Spirit empowers believers to experience peace even in the face of adversity, as described in Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" . This guarding of the heart and mind underscores the protective nature of divine peace.

Peace in Relationships

Spiritual peace also extends to interpersonal relationships among the saints. Romans 12:18 encourages, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" . The peace that rules the hearts of believers should manifest in their interactions with others, promoting unity and reconciliation. Ephesians 4:3 further urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" , highlighting the communal aspect of spiritual peace.

Peace Amidst Persecution

The early church faced significant persecution, yet the saints were marked by an unshakeable peace. Acts 9:31 notes, "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers" . This peace, even in the midst of external threats, was a testament to the transformative power of the gospel and the sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Perspective

Ultimately, the peace that rules the saints is anchored in an eternal perspective. Romans 5:1 affirms, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" . This peace with God, achieved through the redemptive work of Christ, assures believers of their eternal security and inheritance. It is this assurance that enables the saints to live with confidence and hope, regardless of earthly circumstances.Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be you thankful.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Christianity and Society.
... unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." [640] While ... by purely moral means) founded
a universal spiritual empire and a communion of saints, which stands ...
/.../section 49 christianity and society.htm

Articles vii and viii: of the Church.
... so called, is the congregation of saints [of those ... righteousness of the heart is
a spiritual matter, quickening ... and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 11 articles vii and.htm

How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... grace, and do not follow on to spiritual strength and ... Peace and comfort are Christ's
great encouragements to faithfulness ... shall be shut out of the saints' rest ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm

The Twentieth Chapter: the Love of Solitude and Silence
... who aims to live the inner and spiritual life must ... More than this, the security of
the saints was always ... What great peace and tranquillity would be his, if he ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the twentieth chapter the love.htm

The Preacher as a Patriot.
... guide its footsteps in the paths of peace, or among ... is to watch over the moral and
spiritual development of ... vision of a consecrated land of saints ruled by a ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iii the preacher as.htm

Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace ...
... a new recruit of Christ, for the spiritual conflict; again ... we may therefore conclude
that peace was established ... sept, named Dermot (O'Hanlon, Saints, iii.965). ...
/.../chapter iv being made archbishop.htm

Psalm CXLIX.
... the bond of an holy society, a spiritual union, a ... said, "I am not come to send peace
upon earth ... He divideth the saints, He divideth the ungodly, He severeth ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlix.htm

Early English Interpreters of Spiritual Religion: John Everard ...
... become our will, Christ's peace our peace, Christ's sufferings ... Starre, which both
advance perfect Saints above Law ... At the highest stage of spiritual life man ...
/.../chapter xiii early english interpreters.htm

The Desire of all Nations
... It is a temple that makes spiritual eyes flash with gladness. ... between the glory of
the God of peace in the ... evil, and brings forth glory to his saints out of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/the desire of all nations.htm

Because Grace is that which Characterizes all God's Dealings with ...
... They teach that all un-spiritual believers will be left behind ... The saints are now
taught that their Rapture and ... God of His glory and the believer of his peace. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/1 because grace is that.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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