Topical Bible: Spiritual Peace is Through the Atonement of Christ

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Introduction

Spiritual peace, a profound sense of inner tranquility and reconciliation with God, is a central theme in Christian theology. This peace is intricately linked to the atonement of Christ, which is the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the cross to reconcile humanity with God. The atonement is the foundation upon which believers find peace with God, themselves, and others.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of spiritual peace through the atonement of Christ is deeply rooted in Scripture. In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system established in the Law of Moses foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The peace offerings, as described in Leviticus, symbolized reconciliation and fellowship with God. However, these were mere shadows of the true peace brought by Christ.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul articulates the connection between Christ's atonement and spiritual peace. 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 verse highlights that peace with God is a direct result of being justified by faith in the atoning work of Christ. Justification, a legal declaration of righteousness, is made possible through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection.

The Nature of Atonement

The atonement of Christ is multifaceted, encompassing several key aspects that contribute to spiritual peace. First, it is substitutionary, meaning Christ took upon Himself the punishment for sin that humanity deserved. Isaiah 53:5 prophesies, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." This substitutionary act satisfies the justice of God, allowing for reconciliation.

Second, the atonement is redemptive. Through His death, Christ redeems believers from the bondage of sin and death. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." Redemption brings believers into a new relationship with God, characterized by peace and freedom.

Peace with God

The primary aspect of spiritual peace through the atonement is peace with God. Sin creates enmity between humanity and God, but through Christ's atoning sacrifice, this enmity is abolished. Colossians 1:20 affirms, "and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross." This reconciliation restores the broken relationship between God and humanity, granting believers peace with their Creator.

Inner Peace

Beyond peace with God, the atonement of Christ also provides inner peace. This peace is a deep-seated assurance and tranquility that transcends circumstances. Philippians 4:7 describes it as "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, [that] will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This inner peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and continually applies the benefits of Christ's atonement to their lives.

Peace with Others

The atonement of Christ also enables peace with others. Ephesians 2:14-16 explains, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility... His purpose was to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and to reconcile both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility." Through the atonement, believers are united into one body, the Church, breaking down barriers of division and fostering peace among individuals.

Conclusion

The atonement of Christ is the cornerstone of spiritual peace, providing reconciliation with God, inner tranquility, and harmonious relationships with others. Through faith in Christ's sacrificial work, believers experience the profound peace that only God can give, a peace that is eternal and unshakeable.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was on him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 2:14,15
For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
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Colossians 1:20
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things to himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Spiritual Peace
... Spiritual Peace. ... "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through
Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom also we have received the atonement.". ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/spiritual peace.htm

Peace
... A spiritual peace, which is twofold; peace above us, or ... pacified his angry Father,
and made atonement for us ... The godly may not enjoy peace, through mistake and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

Part 1 the Atonement of Christ. Rom. 3:25
... HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS IN THREE BOOKS. HYMN 38 PART 1 The atonement of Christ.
Rom. 3:25. CM ... And peace and pardon from the skies. ... Salvation through his name. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 38 part 1 the.htm

The Necessity of Divine Influences. [*Continued]
... feeling should centre upon that Blessed Agent, through whom he ... look where He points,
and be at peace and at ... The secret of all spiritual success is an immediate ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the necessity of divine influences 2.htm

The Consequences of Sin.
... from the favour of God, and prevents growth in the spiritual life ... That is the work
of the Atonement. ... Christ," says S. Paul, "having made peace through the blood ...
/.../xlvii the consequences of sin.htm

Death to Sin through Christ
... and as consequently brought into life and peace in Christ ... but broke on them unexpectedly
through the vantage ... He no more expects spiritual life of himself apart ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxiii death to sin through.htm

Sanctification.
... to overcome and break up forever our spiritual bondage. ... agony that we might die in
deep peace and in ... is brought home to saints in Christ, through the atonement ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxix sanctification.htm

Entire Sanctification in Type.
... The "spiritual sacrifices" which the Christian priest must ... His blood" ""Having made
peace through the blood ... the wondrous plan of salvation through the Lord ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iv entire sanctification in.htm

How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
... So that he is become our peace, and "through him we ... He is set forth to be a propitiation
through faith in ... 1, 3, "we are blessed with all spiritual blessings in ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter iii how christ is.htm

The Doctrine of Jesus Christ.
... teach that all life"physical, moral, spiritual, eternal"has ... There is a cosmical effect
in the atonement. ... 1:20""And, having made peace through the blood ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of jesus christ.htm