GRACE AND PEACE

GRACE AND PEACE

Friday, November 29, 2013

  After writing recent DT on peace, one respondent asked if there is a relationship between grace and peace? There definitely is when considering the peace that Jesus spoke of. It’s not just a somewhat connection, we cannot actually live in His peace apart from living in His grace. There is no possession of or truly being possessed by the “peace of God” without existent active appropriation of resting in His grace. (Using concordance read “rest” in Hebrews.)

  As typical when answering an inquiry, I began by using Strong’s Concordance to look up relatable verses from His Word, and then go to ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia), and then possibly GotQuestions.org, my favorite commentaries, and other available resources. Then comes what is at times the hard part; writing conveying understanding, and doing so concisely on one page or less. When operating in God’s grace and peace this is a much easier task. Otherwise I windup and spring in many directions as I work.

  There are 16 verses in the KJV that contain both “grace” and “peace”. All are in the NT. For those interested enough to look all up: Rom.1:7; 16:20; 1Cor.1:3; 2Cor.1:2; Gal.1:3; Eph.1:2; Phil.1:2; Col.1:2 1Thes.1:1; 2Thes.1:2; 1Tim.1:2; 2Tim.1:2; Tit.1:4; Phm.1:3; 1Pet.1:2; 2Pet.1:2; 2Jn.1:3; Rev.1:4.

  What is grace anyway?

  Greek to English it’s pronounced “charis”. Sound familiar? In Bible school we were taught “Grace is underserved favor and blessing from God.” Grace is agape love, charity in the inth degree that only the Almighty Sovereign Creator and Sustainer can provide.

  God’s charity is always operative, for all life is by His grace . . . but not delightfully functional us-wise apart from appropriation of His peace.

  So what is this peace? Is it different than common human interpretation of peacefulness?

  Indeed it is!

  Jesus explained this when He taught “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. . . . I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” MKJV John 14:27; 16:33

  Paul summed up result of living in God’s grace and peace, writing “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, Rejoice! Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 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 passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, my brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things. Do those things which you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me. And the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again. Although you indeed did think, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak according to need, for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. In everything and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (MKJV Phil.4:4-13 Underlining mine.)

  In closing this day’s thoughts, to you I say “Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2Thes.1:2)  EBB4