Having Peace

By Jeff Curtis

In the book of Leviticus, chapter 3 speaks of the peace offering that the Israelites in the Old Testament were to offer. It should serve to remind Christians today of the need for peace. We live in a world that is constantly at war. And the question is, can we find peace?

We want peace with God. When we sin, we alienate ourselves from God and become His enemies (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:10); but God desires that we be reconciled to Him. The message of the new covenant is “Be reconciled to God” (2Corinthians 5:18-21). Reconciliation was made possible by the grace of God, who gave His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross to remove our sins – or to be a propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:23-25; 1John 2:2). Because of His death, we, who once were enemies of God, can become His friends (Ephesians 2:12-14). We can be at peace with Him (Romans 5:1).

We want peace within. The cares of the world bring us down. Depression and discouragement weigh heavily upon our souls. However, because we are at peace with God, we can have peace with within ourselves. Knowing that we have been forgiven our sins and we are on the way to heaven gives us “peace…which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7; NKJV). We believe that when Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you” (John 14:27). He was talking to us as well as His apostles. The peace we receive from Jesus does not consist of a life lived without problems. It is not the same kind of peace worldly people enjoy; because Jesus said, “My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give you” (John 14:27). Even though we may tribulation, in Christ we can have peace (John 16:33). The peace that Christ gives is the truest peace, the most sublime peace, anyone can enjoy in this world.

We want peace with others. Too many of us have problems with other people. Because we are at peace with God, we can also live at peace with others. Problems may arise because we live among worldly people, but we are to do our best always to live in peace with our neighbors (Romans 12:18). Also, if we live as we should – if we do to others as we would have them do to us – it is unlikely that we would have much conflict with others. It is in the church that enjoy real peace with others. Bound to others by our common love for God and our common salvation in Christ, we can comfort others and be comforted. Brotherly love produces peace in our relationships with other human beings.

For the Christian, the prospects for peace are good! We are at peace with God; we can experience peace within; and we can live in peace with others. What should we do in response to the great blessing of peace? [1] We should make sure that we ourselves are enjoying the peace that is available to us. [2] We must take the message of peace – of reconciliation with God – to others.

The Christian’s Commission

by Jeff Curtis

On occasion, Jesus would compare Himself to a bridegroom (Matt. 9:15; 25:1; John 3:29). If we look at ourselves as His attendants, what task have we been commissioned to perform as we await His arrival? In the parable of the virgins in Matthew 25, we can get some idea of our task and fulfill it with love, obedience and faithfulness.

Jesus’ commission to Christians is one of priority. Nothing can equal or transcend it. As He poured out His life and blood into creation of the gospel, we are able to give ourselves to the spreading of it. Jesus engaged in benevolence, but this was not the main purpose of His mission. He came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

Jesus’ commission to Christians is one of practicality. His Word outlines how He wants us to fulfill the Great Commission. We are to (1) evangelize “all the nations” (Matt. 28:19), (2) edify new converts by “teaching them to observe all that [Jesus] commanded” (Matt. 28:20), and (3) equip leaders for every congregation of the Lord’s people. Acts says nothing about the church buildings or paid local preachers, but it does talk about the appointing of elders in every church (Acts 14:23), cultivating “Timothys” (Acts 13:1-3).

Jesus’ commission to Christians is one of perfection. No one can improve upon it. Jesus’ plan was perfect for His church when He gave it, and it will be perfect for His followers throughout the Christian age. Jesus’ Great Commission contains everything needed by any minister of the gospel, at least in seed form. We need to take up the mission that Jesus started and passed on to us. If we implement His plan, He will give the increase to our words and actions.

Jesus’ commission to Christians is one of perpetuity. His plan is in place for all remaining earthly time. Jesus said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Until He returns, let us continue His work of spreading the gospel, nurturing converts, and equipping the faithful followers to join in the gospel work in this world.