The Bible offers several important promises regarding "peace," which can be categorized into two types: objective peace and subjective peace.
1. Objective Peace
Objective peace refers to peace that exists outside of a person’s feelings or experiences. It is a factual peace established by God and accomplished through Jesus Christ, regardless of personal perception or emotional state.
Peace with God through Jesus Christ
Romans 5:1 — "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
This promise signifies the foundational peace that a believer has with God. It is an objective reality that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The significance of this peace is that it represents a reconciliation between a holy God and sinful humanity. By faith, believers are declared righteous, no longer enemies of God, but His children, receiving His favor and grace.Christ as our Peace
Ephesians 2:14 — "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility."
Here, Christ is depicted as the embodiment of peace, particularly in uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body. The significance of this promise is twofold: it provides a profound peace that transcends human division and prejudice, and it unites all believers in one body through the cross, emphasizing reconciliation not just with God but also within the community of believers.Eternal Peace in the New Creation
Isaiah 9:7 — "Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end..."
This promise looks forward to the eternal reign of the Messiah, where peace will be unending. It highlights the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan to restore all things, bringing about a perfect, unbroken peace in the new heavens and new earth. This peace is significant because it assures believers of a future reality where sin, suffering, and conflict are no more, establishing a permanent state of peace under Christ's sovereign rule.
2. Subjective Peace
Subjective peace refers to the inner sense of tranquility and calmness that believers experience, which is often the result of their faith and relationship with God.
The Peace of God Guarding Hearts and Minds
Philippians 4:6-7 — "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
This promise addresses the personal, experiential peace that God provides to His people amidst life's worries and anxieties. The significance of this peace is that it transcends human understanding and provides an inner guard against turmoil and fear. It assures believers that by turning to God in prayer, they can experience a profound sense of calm, regardless of external circumstances. According to the Text, the command to "not be anxious about anything" is achieved through a combination of prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving: Together, these practices — praying with supplication and thanksgiving — allow believers to entrust their worries to God, knowing He hears and cares for them. The result is that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding," will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This peace is not something manufactured by human effort; it is a divine gift that comes from relying on God in every circumstance, a peace that protects one's inner being from anxiety and fear.Jesus' Promise of Peace
John 14:27 — "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Jesus promises His disciples a unique peace, distinct from what the world offers. This peace is rooted in His presence and His work, providing confidence and comfort amid life’s uncertainties and difficulties. The significance lies in the contrast to worldly peace, which is often circumstantial, whereas Jesus' peace is steady and enduring, anchored in His person and promises.Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust in God
Isaiah 26:3 — "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
This promise highlights that peace comes from trusting in God and focusing one’s thoughts and heart on Him. The significance is that this peace is not a fleeting emotion but a "perfect" or complete peace that results from an unwavering trust in God’s character, promises, and purposes.
Significance of These Promises
The significance of these promises of peace, whether objective or subjective, lies in their source and their effect:
Source: The source of true peace is God Himself, provided through Jesus Christ. Objective peace is founded on the finished work of Christ — His life, death, and resurrection. Subjective peace flows from the relationship believers have with God, a peace that the Holy Spirit cultivates in their hearts (Galatians 5:22).
Effect: Objective peace removes the enmity between God and humans, ensuring believers' eternal safety and reconciliation with God. Subjective peace impacts daily living, providing comfort, confidence, and hope in the face of trials, anxiety, and uncertainty.
Both aspects are crucial for the Christian life. Objective peace assures believers of their standing before God, while subjective peace allows them to experience God's comfort and strength in their daily lives. These promises encourage trust in God's sovereignty, foster hope for the future, and promote a steadfast heart amidst life's challenges