Topical Bible: Spiritual Peace: The Wicked are Promised, by False Teachers

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of peace is multifaceted, encompassing both an inner tranquility and a harmonious relationship with God. However, Scripture warns against a counterfeit peace offered by false teachers, particularly to those who live in wickedness. This deceptive peace is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament and is addressed in the New Testament as well.

Old Testament Warnings

The prophets of the Old Testament frequently confronted false prophets who proclaimed peace where there was none. In Jeremiah 6:14 , the prophet laments, "They have dressed the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace." This false assurance of peace is a superficial treatment of the deep spiritual and moral corruption among the people. The false prophets, motivated by their own gain, mislead the people into a false sense of security, ignoring the impending judgment due to their unrepentant sin.

Similarly, in Ezekiel 13:10 , the Lord condemns the false prophets: "Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because when a flimsy wall is built, they plaster it with whitewash." Here, the imagery of a whitewashed wall symbolizes the deceptive and fragile nature of the peace promised by these false teachers. The prophets' messages are likened to a weak structure that cannot withstand the coming storm of God's judgment.

New Testament Echoes

The New Testament continues this theme, warning believers of false teachers who promise peace and security apart from true repentance and faith in Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 5:3 , Paul writes, "While people are saying, ‘Peace and security,’ destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." This passage highlights the sudden and inescapable nature of divine judgment that will come upon those who are lulled into complacency by false assurances.

Characteristics of False Peace

The peace promised by false teachers is characterized by its superficiality and its disregard for the holiness and justice of God. It often appeals to the desires of the flesh, offering comfort without the cost of discipleship or the necessity of repentance. This false peace is attractive because it allows individuals to continue in their sinful ways without the discomfort of conviction or the call to transformation.

The True Peace of God

In contrast, the true peace of God, as revealed in Scripture, is rooted in a reconciled relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of righteousness and the assurance of salvation. Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is a result of being justified by faith, leading to a life transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently warns against the allure of false peace offered by those who do not speak for God. True spiritual peace is found only in submission to God's will and in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to discern the truth and to seek the genuine peace that comes from a life aligned with God's purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 6:14
They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

First Sunday in Lent
... fell away and became more wicked than before. ... preparation of the Gospel of peace,"
and so ... people, spiritually warring against the spiritual enemies enumerated ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday in lent.htm

Of Councils and their Authority.
... that those appointed to preserve the peace and safety ... has sometimes foretold that
they would be wicked. ... which the holy Fathers with spiritual prudence adopted ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 of councils and.htm

Written from Rome
... alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet ... And let the peace of God
rule in your hearts ... Moral and spiritual perfection, through the grace and power ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 45 written from rome.htm

The Last King of Judah
... "The prophet which prophesieth of peace," Jeremiah proposed ... Those who should have
been spiritual leaders among the ... the Lord had declared of the wicked men who ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 36 the last king.htm

V. ...
... knows it?" and their conscience is never at peace. ... faith, to imagine that everything
is spiritual; and all ... or salvation, and only become more wicked from day ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v 2.htm

The Epistle of Judas
... where the Smyrniote church prays: Mercy, peace, and love be ... soul in returning to
its spiritual orbit scorns ... these lewd persons and their wicked actions'), who ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of judas.htm

The Unclean Spirits.
... Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come ... 1-3. And Paul says of that wicked:
"Whose coming ... conversation with the spirit world.""Spiritual Tel., Vol ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

Hope for the Heathen
... In wicked Jericho the testimony of a heathen woman ... they should thenceforth be numbered
among spiritual Israel"His ... church, "Behold, I will extend peace to her ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 31 hope for the.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... Thou shalt have more peace, and be more free from ... to catch men, so the allurements
of wicked ungodly men ... ditch to catch men in to this spiritual whoredom and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

"The House of Israel"
... that every Christian shall be surrounded with a spiritual atmosphere of light and
peace. ... While the wicked flee, Christ's followers will rejoice in His ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 59 the house of.htm