Ever since the enemy’s first deceit in the Garden of Eden, the sin gene has infected all of humanity. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and our sin separates us from God for eternity. In our sinful state, there is no peace with God, and on our own, we are hopeless to bridge that gap.
But God!
From the moment sin entered the world, God had a glorious plan of reconciliation and redemption. Only one plan. His Son, Jesus Christ.
For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of His Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ made us friends of God. – Romans 5:10-11 NLT
Without Jesus, there is no peace with God.
Once we have peace with God settled, we will have the peace of God.
When we look at the world today, we don’t see much peace. Even our own life is more likely defined by anxious insecurity than confident peace. The enemy is working overtime to steal, kill, destroy, and distract us from the abundant life Jesus promises. Yet even in all this chaos – Jesus promises peace!
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” – John 14:27 NASB
Jesus promises peace that will calm us in every circumstance. Peace that gives us the courage and strength we need to face every challenge. This is the peace of God. A peace that surpasses understanding and guards our hearts and minds. It is more than just the absence of strife. It is wholeness. It is the ability to face the struggles of this world because of hope – the confident assurance in the glorious outcome.
During Christmas, we celebrate peace! Peace with God and peace of God that arrived on earth when Jesus Christ was born.
