By Pastor J.D. Link

Eph 2:13-17 “But now in Christ Jesus ye who in times past were far off are made near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the division, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of the two one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the division thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.” Today we will learn that Jesus is our peace. To be in Christ is to be at perfect peace with The Father. What a glorious truth!

How is this peace possible? Rom 5:1 says we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous) by faith (trust and confidence in Jesus‘ finished work), and now, through that justification, we have peace with God through Jesus. The punishment for our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes, we are healed. Jesus suffered for our sins so we could have perfect peace with God the Father (Isa 53:5). Jesus made peace through the blood of His cross, reconciling all things to Himself (Col 1:20). God made peace with you: Will you now make peace with Him by receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

Who is this peace between? God and man (Lk 2:14). Jesus was the peace offering. He reconciled us to The Father through the cross. He didn’t come to bring peace among men, but between The Father and man (Mt 10:34, Lk 12:51). Of course, we should strive to be at peace with man; but not if it causes us to compromise our loyalty to Christ Jesus. He must come first over all relationships. Even family ones, if necessary.

Where does this peace dwell? Rom 14:17 says that the Kingdom of God is not contained in carnal things, but it is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The Kingdom of God dwells within the believer. It is of the Holy Spirit. It will come literally when Christ returns, but right now it is an invisible kingdom, where Jesus the King exercises His Lordship over His kingdom - those who subject themselves to His rule and authority, and get to partake of the blessings of that decision. Now peace is a fruit of that same Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). Peace and joy in the Holy Spirit - How wonderful is that!

What should this peace produce? Read John 14:27, 16:33. Our hearts should not be troubled or afraid. Even in the midst of tribulation, we should be of good cheer - because Jesus has overcome the world! He has given us His peace! His peace is in Him, so it is yours by legal act if you are in Him. Quit praying for peace! You have it already, child of God! Jesus has given you His peace. So, how do you practically walk in this peace?

You must fix your mind on Jesus (Isa 26:3). You must be spiritually minded (Rom 8:6). You must let God’s peace rule in your heart (Col 3:15). You see, although God’s peace is legally and truly yours through being born again, it will not practically benefit you if you don’t purposefully choose to fix your mind on Jesus. If you focus on the natural, you will not walk in peace - though it is in your spirit. But in order for that peace to rule in your soul and flesh, you must be spiritually minded. You must mind the things of God. It is your choice. You don’t have to work for God’s peace, but you do have to purposefully focus on it if you want it functioning in your life. “Let” means it is in your control to do or not to do.

What should then be our proclamation? Peace. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tiding of good things! (Rom 10:15, Isa 52:7). Our feet should stand firm on the Gospel of peace, and carry it wherever we go (Eph 6:15). God The Father has made peace with man through God The Son, and has reconciled the world unto Himself. However, this only profits those who will humble themselves and receive The Peace Offering, Jesus Christ. Be reconciled to God! Receive His peace! Be at peace with Him, for He is at peace with you (2Cor 5:14-21). Have a blessed and Merry Christmas, and until next time, rejoice in The Lord!