Untitled Sermon (2)

In the New Testament, peace (eirene) is a multifaceted concept that goes far beyond mere absence of conflict. It is understood as a positive state that produces well-being and allows creatures to fulfill their God-intended purpose, fundamentally representing reconciliation with God and others1. Critically, peace is established by God, not by human effort - it is something humanity receives rather than achieves1. A key focus is Jesus Christ, who was predicted as the Prince of Peace and through whose work of justification believers can have peace with God, which keeps their hearts and minds secure2. Rooted in the Old Testament concept of shalom, this peace encompasses human well-being and social justice, dramatically demonstrated by Christ’s reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles through the cross3. Christ offers a genuine, transformative peace that is not transient or shallow, but fills the soul with constant tranquility - a peace that the world cannot provide14. As a fruit of the Spirit, this peace is experienced by those who are spiritually minded, bringing life and allowing God’s Spirit to rule in their lives2. Significantly, the New Testament frequently refers to God as the God of peace, Jesus as the Lord of peace, and the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of peace3

In the Old Testament, peace (shalom) is a rich and multifaceted concept that extends far beyond mere absence of conflict. The word had a much wider meaning than people commonly understand today, encompassing completeness, wholeness, and well-being1. For Hebrews, peace represented a state of well-being that included good health, prosperity, contentment, security, and harmonious relationships1. Fundamentally, peace is about God’s authority and power, representing the completion of God’s plan and fulfillment of His promise, with a clear emphasis on the relationship between humans and God23. The biblical worldview recognizes the world as broken, and peace is reinstated through mechanisms like the sacrificial system, where costly animal sacrifices symbolize the challenging process of restoring the relationship between sinful humans and a holy God3. Critically, the Old Testament also points to the coming Messiah as a key to establishing peace, with Isaiah prophesying a “Prince of Peace” who would take on the sin and guilt of God’s people3. Ultimately, peace is not for the wicked, but for those who are righteous, serve God, love His law, and please the Lord4.

In the Bible, peace is a multifaceted concept that goes far beyond merely the absence of conflict, encompassing wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and security, all deeply associated with God’s presence12. The Hebrew word šālôm was used in various contexts, from a common greeting to expressing peaceful relationships between people and, most importantly, as a blessing that comes from faithfully living in covenant with God1. Unlike the modern understanding of peace as mere non-hostility, the biblical perspective sees peace as a positive state that produces well-being and allows creatures to fulfill their God-intended purpose, ultimately representing reconciliation with God and others3. Critically, biblical peace is not something humans achieve, but something they receive—established by God, with Jesus being the means of peace both with God and between people, embodying God’s mission of reconciliation3. This peace is not just an individual mental state, but a tangible, communal condition that can be political, material, and transformative, announced and delivered by God through the gospel of Jesus Christ

Peace is a concept with rich and diverse meanings, historically encompassing more than just the absence of conflict. In the Hebrew tradition, it implied completeness, total well-being, and a state of tranquility, contentment, and serenity.1 It is not a static or abstract idea, but a dynamic condition of wholeness that requires effort and marks the arrival of God’s reign.2 Peace has a profound theological dimension, reaching its full meaning in a personal relationship with God. Ultimately, authentic peace cannot be experienced in isolation from God, and there is a direct correlation between being part of the divine covenant and having peace with God.1 This divine peace transcends worldly circumstances, offering solace and the power to change or rise above challenging situations, with God able to make circumstances work out for good.3 At its core, peace expresses the fullness of relationship - safety and security in union with the creator and with others. It results from right relationships, where love and justice flourish, ultimately connecting individuals with God and each other.2 Practically, this peace can be derived from spiritual discipline, surrender, and walking in the Spirit, recognizing that a higher power can handle what we cannot change ourselves.4

Shalom is a profound Hebrew concept that extends far beyond a simple greeting, representing a comprehensive vision of well-being and harmony. It is a Hebrew term for peace that describes comprehensive well-being, embracing concepts of harmony, security, serenity, right relationships, wholeness, health, prosperity, and success1. Fundamentally, shalom is the structured order of God’s love - not power over others, but a practical expression of love through structures and systems. It creates a concern for the poor and marginalized, offering empowerment and inclusion, and represents God’s counter-kingdom of love that is available to all who wish to co-create it2. As God’s priests, Christians are called to undertake a mission of shalom to all peoples, seeking the welfare of those around them without expectation of reward. By loving others, they can experience shalom to its fullest extent3. This mission is embodied by the Messiah, who is the “Prince of Peace” and has paid the sacrificial price for shalom, bringing together “aliens and strangers” into one household and sending preachers of the gospel of peace3. Ultimately, shalom is an essential element of God’s kingdom plan, where righteous judgment will abolish conflict and create a time of satisfaction and security characterized by commitment to exhibiting God’s character3.

The New Testament concept of peace (eirēnē) draws from the Old Testament Hebrew word shalom, signifying wholeness and well-being, particularly through restoring relationships between God and humans, and among humans individually and corporately.1 The term appears in nearly every New Testament book except 1 John, with the majority of occurrences (sixty-five) found in Paul’s writings and Luke-Acts.12 In Paul’s letters, peace takes on a profound theological meaning. For instance, in Ephesians, he describes Christ as “our peace,” who by His death created unity by ending the enmity between Jews and Gentiles. Paul even draws on Isaiah 57:19 to emphasize the gospel as a message of unity for both Gentiles and Jews.3 In the Epistles, “peace” frequently joins with “grace” as a salutation, and when used, it evokes gratitude for God’s salvation and the faith community.2 Interestingly, while peace is often overlooked in theological studies, it represents more than just the absence of conflict—it seeks positive initiatives to overcome evil with good.2