Introduction

Spiritual peace, as presented in the Christian Scriptures, is a profound and enduring tranquility that transcends human understanding. It is a peace that is rooted in the reconciliation between God and humanity, achieved through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospel, or "good news," heralds this peace as a central theme, offering believers a promise of inner calm and eternal harmony with God.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of spiritual peace is woven throughout the Bible, with the Gospel of Jesus Christ serving as the ultimate proclamation of this peace. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "shalom" encompasses a holistic sense of peace, including well-being, completeness, and harmony. This peace is often associated with God's covenantal promises to His people.

In the New Testament, the Greek word "eirene" is used to describe the peace brought by Christ. The Gospel of Luke records the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth as "good news of great joy" (Luke 2:10), and the heavenly host proclaim, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!" (Luke 2:14). This declaration underscores the arrival of spiritual peace through the Messiah.

Peace Through Reconciliation

Central to the Gospel message is the reconciliation between God and humanity. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 5:1 , "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a restored relationship with God, made possible by Christ's atoning sacrifice.

Ephesians 2:14-17 further elaborates on this theme: "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility... He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near." Here, Paul emphasizes that Jesus is the embodiment of peace, breaking down barriers and uniting believers in one body.

Inner Peace and Assurance

The Gospel also promises believers an inner peace that guards their hearts and minds. 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, offering a deep-seated assurance amidst life's trials.

Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to seek this peace through prayer: "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." This passage highlights the transformative power of divine peace, which transcends human comprehension.

Peace as a Fruit of the Spirit

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers produces spiritual peace as a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists peace among the virtues cultivated by the Spirit's presence: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." This peace is a testament to the Spirit's work in the believer's life, fostering harmony and contentment.

The Gospel's Call to Peace

The Gospel not only offers peace but also calls believers to be peacemakers. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This call to action reflects the transformative nature of the Gospel, urging believers to extend the peace they have received to others.

Romans 12:18 further exhorts, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This directive underscores the believer's responsibility to pursue peace in all relationships, reflecting the reconciling work of Christ in their lives.Romans 10:15
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Gospel of the Kingdom.
... in many a glowing passage described the peace and glory ... Gospel"the Gospel of the
Kingdom"the Gospel of God. ... had expected, because it was a spiritual Kingdom ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ii the gospel of.htm

A Soldier's Shoes
... that brings the peace, and if its peace brings the ... our minds and hearts in the Gospel
of Jesus ... a good deal nowadays about deepening the spiritual life, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/a soldiers shoes.htm

The Armour of God
... We know too, how, in spiritual matters, terror and despair deal ... explains it all,
is Peace, and the Gospel, that is ... sound, not of the good news of peace, but of ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xi the armour of god.htm

Easter Monday
... of comfort, the new declaration of peace, is that ... heaven, should preach unto you
any gospel other than ... and temporal concerns; but a spiritual, eternal kingdom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter monday.htm

Sanctification.
... which the Spirit of God has made of the real spiritual state of ... intelligence, that
souls are entering into the deep rest and peace of the gospel, that they ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlii sanctification.htm

Power in Operation.
... To form the habit of finding fault constantly, is very damaging to spiritual life;
it is about the lowest and meanest ... His gospel is the gospel of peace. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter iv power in operation.htm

Ephesians vi. 14-17
... all things, so also has he who has the spiritual gift. ... a practice and example worthy
of the Gospel; that is ... The good tidings of peace have been proclaimed to you ...
/.../homily xxiv ephesians vi 14-17.htm

Silent Christians
... of duty in reference to declaring the Gospel than they ... of any sort 'we hold our peace.'
The possession of ... but the possession of moral and spiritual truth does. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/silent christians.htm

Sacred Poems and Hymns
... of the Brethren's Eldership, and the beginning of the Society for the furtherance
of the Gospel in the ... Prayer for Spiritual Light, Holiness, and Peace. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/

Salvation Published from the Mountains
... were it not for the hope of the Gospel, to share ... remove our guilt, communicate to
us a spiritual life, relieve us from misery, and give us stable peace in a ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon vi salvation published from.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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