War and Peace
Jesus came into the world to bring both war and peace. “The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36). Jesus is called “the Prince of Peace” (Is. 9:6), yet other passages say that He came to bring war. “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Mt. 10:34).
Let us look at some ways He came to bring peace. (1) He came to bring peace with God. When men sin, they are separated from God’s favor (Is. 59:1,2), and are at enmity with God (Jas. 4:4). Through the message that was first spoken by Christ, and later confirmed by those who heard Him (Heb. 2:3), we can be reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:17-19). When we are reconciled to God through obedient faith, we have “peace with God” (Rom. 5:1). (2) We have peace with men. Isaiah prophesied that the kingdom of Christ would be a peaceful one (Is. 11:6-10). He was not saying the gospel of Christ would tame wild animals and change the nature of poisonous snakes, but that men would be transformed through His message. The “middle wall of partition” (the Old Covenant) was broken down and those reconciled to God have peace with one another because of the cross of Christ (Eph. 2:15-18).
Sometimes war is necessary even within the Lord’s kingdom. Paul talked about being “in perils among false brethren” (2 Cor. 11:26). He said, “For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you” (1 Cor. 11:19).
Jesus did not come to bring peace at any price, but peace with God and our fellow man based upon the truth of His word. He is the author of both war and peace. Let us be united with Him in both. Sometimes war is necessary even within the Lord’s kingdom. Paul talked about being “in perils among false brethren” (2 Cor. 11:26). He said, “For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you” (1 Cor. 11:19).
Jesus did not come to bring peace at any price, but peace with God and our fellow man based upon the truth of His word. He is the author of both war and peace. Let us be united with Him in both.
Let us look at some ways He came to bring peace. (1) He came to bring peace with God. When men sin, they are separated from God’s favor (Is. 59:1,2), and are at enmity with God (Jas. 4:4). Through the message that was first spoken by Christ, and later confirmed by those who heard Him (Heb. 2:3), we can be reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:17-19). When we are reconciled to God through obedient faith, we have “peace with God” (Rom. 5:1). (2) We have peace with men. Isaiah prophesied that the kingdom of Christ would be a peaceful one (Is. 11:6-10). He was not saying the gospel of Christ would tame wild animals and change the nature of poisonous snakes, but that men would be transformed through His message. The “middle wall of partition” (the Old Covenant) was broken down and those reconciled to God have peace with one another because of the cross of Christ (Eph. 2:15-18).
Sometimes war is necessary even within the Lord’s kingdom. Paul talked about being “in perils among false brethren” (2 Cor. 11:26). He said, “For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you” (1 Cor. 11:19).
Jesus did not come to bring peace at any price, but peace with God and our fellow man based upon the truth of His word. He is the author of both war and peace. Let us be united with Him in both. Sometimes war is necessary even within the Lord’s kingdom. Paul talked about being “in perils among false brethren” (2 Cor. 11:26). He said, “For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you” (1 Cor. 11:19).
Jesus did not come to bring peace at any price, but peace with God and our fellow man based upon the truth of His word. He is the author of both war and peace. Let us be united with Him in both.