The concept of spiritual peace is a profound and central theme in Christian theology, particularly concerning the lives of the saints. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict or turmoil but a deep, abiding sense of tranquility and assurance rooted in the relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The Bible provides numerous references to this peace, highlighting its significance and the means by which it is attained and maintained.

Biblical Foundation

The peace experienced by the saints is fundamentally a gift from God, as articulated in the Scriptures. 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, which is often temporary and dependent on external circumstances. Instead, it is a divine peace that transcends understanding, 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."

Nature of Spiritual Peace

Spiritual peace is characterized by a sense of wholeness and completeness, often referred to as "shalom" in the Hebrew Scriptures. This peace encompasses not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of positive blessings, including harmony, security, and well-being. It is a state of being that reflects the restored relationship between humanity and God, made possible through the redemptive work of Christ.

Means of Attaining Peace

The saints attain spiritual peace through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His teachings. Romans 5:1 states, "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 reconciled with God, no longer subject to His wrath but embraced as His children. Furthermore, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in sustaining this peace, as the Spirit produces the fruit of peace in the believer's life (Galatians 5:22).

Peace Amidst Trials

The peace of the saints is not negated by trials or tribulations. On the contrary, it is often most evident in times of difficulty. Jesus Himself declared, "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This assurance enables believers to face challenges with confidence, knowing that their peace is anchored in the victory of Christ.

Role of Prayer and Meditation

Prayer and meditation on God's Word are vital practices for maintaining spiritual peace. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers, "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, believers cast their anxieties upon God, trusting in His provision and care.

Community and Peace

The peace of the saints is also experienced and expressed within the community of believers. Ephesians 4:3 exhorts Christians to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This communal peace is a testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel and the love of Christ that binds believers together.

In summary, the great spiritual peace of the saints is a divine gift that permeates every aspect of their lives. It is a peace that is rooted in the reconciliation with God through Christ, sustained by the Holy Spirit, and expressed in both personal and communal contexts. This peace empowers believers to navigate the complexities of life with a steadfast heart, confident in the promises of God.Psalm 119:165
Great peace have they which love your law: and nothing shall offend them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 54:13
And all your children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of your children.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of Seeking Peace of Mind and of Spiritual Progress
... not to enter into the perfect way of the Saints. ... Oh, if thou knewest what peace to
thyself thy holy ... methinketh thou wouldst be more zealous for spiritual profit ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xi of seeking peace.htm

Inward Mortification and Perfect Resignation are Necessary for ...
... get a great purity of mind and heart, great peace of soul ... Amongst the Saints there
are some gigantick ones, who ... The spiritual ones, which walk this way, are rare ...
/.../chap vii inward mortification and.htm

Saints, Sages, and Saviors: the Law of Service
... All the great spiritual teachers have denied themselves personal luxuries ... The saints,
sages, and saviors of all time are ... walk the Way of Truth and Peace, and he ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/saints sages and saviors the.htm

Shewing How a Simple and Ready Obedience is the Only Means of for ...
... a Soul to purchase it self true peace of Heart ... with Miracles, the visible Tribunal
of the spiritual Father; from ... the common Doctrine of all the Saints, of all ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap ix shewing how a.htm

The Spiritual Guide,
... Reasons, Doctrines and Authorities of Saints and of ... next hath been to instruct the
Spiritual Divertors, that ... these secret Paths to internal Peace and Supreme ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/the spiritual guide.htm

Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be ...
... let all carnal and natural men hold their peace concerning the state of the Saints,
for they know ... rarely learn to love any one with perfect spiritual love. ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter lviii of deeper matters.htm

An Era of Spiritual Darkness
... He may come in to bring pardon and peace, and who ... to exterminate those who dared
deny his spiritual supremacy ... drunken with the blood of the saints." The mangled ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 3 an era of.htm

Peace
... II. A spiritual peace, which is twofold; peace above us, or ... Whence is it that the
saints weep for sin ... The not understanding of this hinders a Christian's peace. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

On St Barbara's Day, or that of any Other Holy virgin
... him, and which would deprive him of his spiritual peace, let him ... Thirdly, thou must
have peace with thyself ... Thus did the holy saints: for they had dominion over ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon ii on st barbaras.htm

Instructions and Counsels to Confessors and Spiritual Directors.
... a Ministry; and that should be the Saints to whom ... ought to bring about for such a
spiritual Dying ... be disquieted at this, but possess himself in peace, like the ...
/.../chap vi instructions and counsels.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

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus