Peace is defined in the Word of God as (1) Peace with God and (2) Peace of God. Peace “with” God is positional and peace “of” God is experiential.
Peace with God has been accomplished through Christ in His Atonement for sin on the Cross. Colossians 1:20a says, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself…” Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore being justified by faith (or by Christ, who is The Faith; Romans 3:24-25), we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” That is, Christ satisfied God by being made an offering for sin and receiving the wrath of God in our place for the payment of our sin. (See Genesis 2:16-17; Isaiah 53:1-12; Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:24).
This act was done before you were even born. (See Romans 5:6-10, especially verse 8c, “…Christ died for us.”) This act is positional before God. This position of being redeemed, reconciled, and justified in the death of Christ was secured in His death. But, this position is not known by a person until the New Birth. This position was not, is not, and shall never be dependent upon man; for Justification was a work of God on the Cross.
However once born again, having now the knowledge of this Peace “with” God through our Lord Jesus Christ, we then have the responsibility to enjoy the Peace “of” God. Philippians 4:6-7 and Colossians 3:15 reveal that the peace of God comes through obeying God’s Word.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
The key here is prayer, no matter the circumstances, with thanksgiving. This is an active response on the believer’s part. This peace is based upon who God is and what He has done for you and what He promised He will do for you. This peace comes from resting in the Promises of God. It is from a firm persuasion that God will do as He has said. It comes from resting in the Sovereignty of God (Proverbs 19:21; Psalm 115:3).
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” (Colossians 3:15)
That is, let peace rule, or dominate, your mind. This is by an exercise of faith (Hebrews 11:6); or believing that God is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
This shows the responsibility of the believer to actively obey and trust God, and perform on that basis. When the Peace of God rules in your heart, the first effect is peace with self. No more striving with God. No more unrest because of present circumstances. The second effect is peace with those around you.
Has God revealed to you the Position of Peace with God through the merits of Christ?
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (14) For he is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:13-14)
If not, you cannot have the Peace of God ruling in your heart.
However, you know Romans 5:2, “By whom also we have access by faith (or by Christ) into this grace (peace with God; Romans 5:1) wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
If you know of your standing in Christ (justified, at peace with God); then why do you not have the peace “of” God in your daily life? If you plant seed corn, you will harvest what? Apples? No, you will harvest corn. Therefore, James 3:18, “And the fruit of righteousness (fruit of the Spirit; Galatians 5:22-23; “love, joy, peace…”) is sown in peace of them that make peace.”
That is, if you want to experience peace (a calmness; without resistance and conflict; without agitation and anger; a rest of mind; a stillness) then you have to sow peace.
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