Peace of God: The Things That Make For It

You have the Peace of God through Christ. 

Pardon and peace is yours today if you reach forth your hand and take it as the free gift of God.

The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ. 

When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissension.

You will be made precious in Christ. He says to you, who feel your own weakness: 

Let him take hold of my strength, and make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me.

Remember that you have a living Savior. He will do just what He has said He would. Find His peace today. 

Believe that He accepts your repentance and contrition.

Jesus - the only begotten Son of God came into the world to die for you, and you are to value yourself in the light of the cross of Calvary.

He invites you, who are stricken with sin to come with your burdens, and He will relieve you. Christ will cleanse you from its defilement, and give you a moral fitness for His kingdom.

He, who is light and life, peace and joy, will hear your cry. Moreover, the Sun of righteousness will shine into the chambers of your mind, lighting up your soul-temple.

God has given His beloved Son to die on Calvary's cross, that we might have peace in this life, and everlasting joy in the life to come.

Make your peace with God today while mercy still lingers.

They shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God…

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads:

they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Therefore, strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: 

behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you. Isaiah 35:2-4, 10.

You have peace in Christ

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; 

by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Colossians 1:19, 20.

There is a way of escape for all the perishing. 

You may have freedom upon the condition of faith in Christ who is able to save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by Him. Hebrews 7:25.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1.

This ransom has been provided at infinite cost. The mercy, grace, and love of the Father and the Son are abundant, and have been freely bestowed to humanity.

Nevertheless, it will not be accepted by everyone. It is because of:

• unbelief and choice of the world

• love of disobedience, pleasure in sin, and enjoyment of rebellion,

which blunted their perceptions until they fail to discern the things which make for their peace.

They will not come to Christ that they might have life.

I am the door: by me if any man enters, he shall be saved...

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:9, 10.

Satan and his instruments in the world intercept our path to the Paradise of God. 

Christ warns us that we will enter into the kingdom of God through much tribulation.

These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; 

but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33.

The Lord guarantees to recompense us for every service we render and every self-denial, and sacrifice we make. 

It is because His heart is full of infinite love, mercy and tenderness.

Continue reading: The Infinite Love Of God Toward You: Amazing And Everlasting.

He will repay us in this life a hundredfold, and in the world to come He will give us everlasting life.

He loves you

Believe now that God loves you. For He has declared it:

God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.

Thus when Satan brings to you the burden of sin and guilt - read your Bible. 

Answer him by proclaiming the promise that you believe in the Son, and therefore will not perish.

Furthermore, turn your eyes to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. 

Thus the controversy with the enemy will be ended for that season.

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: 

the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5, 6.

The God whom we serve is long-suffering:

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. 

They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22, 23.

His Spirit is pleading with the people today to accept the gift of life.

Keep on reading: The Best Gift Of God: Open Your Heart To Receive Christ

When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up for you a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19.

As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; 

but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die? Ezekiel 33:11.

Be mindful that Jesus is your hope. Do not be discouraged.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: 

not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27.

Take hold of His strength

Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me. Isaiah 27:5.

There is no safety for us outside of our entire dependence on Christ. His wisdom, power, grace, and love must be our only support.

The lesson for all time is: Follow the Lamb of God whithersoever He goeth. Revelation 14:4. 

His guidance is to be chosen and His companionship valued above the companionship of earthly friends.

We are to unite prayer with watchfulness and thus lay hold upon His mighty power, feeling our insufficiency to cope with self and the powers of darkness.

He alone can save us and restore His moral image in us. The very essence of the Gospel is restoration. 

Therefore, the Savior would have us bid the sick, hopeless, and the afflicted - take hold upon My strength.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; 

though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18.

Will you let Him reason with you? Will you commit to Him the keeping of your soul as unto a faithful Creator?

Come, let us then live in the light of His countenance:

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; Make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. 

The Lord lifts up His countenance upon thee, and gives thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

As thy days, so shall thy strength be

God has given Jesus as our sin-bearer, in order that we may be perfect in the merits of Him before His throne.

Those who receive Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life, are beloved of God, even as His only begotten Son is.

Jesus died to rescue souls from the bondage of sin, and every one who returns to His loyalty, is precious in the sight of God.

Christ administers grace and He ever lives to dispense blessings abundantly. 

He will give power to His children, according as their circumstances demand.

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; 

and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Isaiah 55:3.

Little annoyances and trials borne with patience will fit the soul for the endurance of greater trials and more severe tests.

Nevertheless, proportionate grace will be given for every trial that shall come upon us.

How many burdens we might lay off if we take all our troubles - large and small to Jesus. He has invited us to do this.

Let us encourage the habit of intimate communion with Jesus. 

Thus we will learn to know Him better, and His divine presence will bring us relief and assurance.

We shall be drawn to Him as to a loving friend. 

As we tell Him our sorrows, perplexities and mistakes, He will speak peace and comfort to our hearts.

He cares for you

Jesus tells us that there are dangers in our path. He does not propose to take His people out of the world of sin and evil.

Nevertheless, He points us to a never-failing refuge - Himself. Furthermore, He invites the weary and care-laden to come to Him.

Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28, 29.

Therefore, lay off the yoke of anxiety and worldly care that you have placed on your own neck.

Moreover, take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

We find rest in God as casting our care upon Him.

God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God; 

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:6, 7.

Jesus teaches us that:

Life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: 

and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. Luke 12:23, 30.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33.

In other words - I have come to open to you the kingdom of love, righteousness and peace. 

Open your hearts to receive this kingdom, and make its service your highest interest.

Though it is a spiritual kingdom, fear not that your needs for this life will be not cared. 

If you give yourself to God's service, He who has all power in Heaven and earth will provide for your needs.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. 1 John 2:15, 17.

Jesus is our Savior

Jesus is our atoning sacrifice. We can make no atonement for ourselves, but by faith we can accept the atonement that has been made.

We have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7.

It pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of His cross, 

by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself. Colossians 1:19, 20.

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. 1 Peter 3:18.

Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things. But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7.

It is by virtue of this precious blood that the sin-stricken soul can be restored to soundness.

In moments of perplexity, when Satan would overwhelm you with despair, the Holy Spirit will point you to the intercession made for you by a living Savior.

Christ is the fragrance, the holy incense, which makes your petitions acceptable to the Father.

When the light of Christ's righteousness is fully understood and accepted - love, joy, peace, and inexpressible gratitude will pervade the soul, and the language of one who is blessed will be:

Thy gentleness hath made me great. Psalm 18:35.

God accepts us through Christ, and we are to value ourselves in the light of the cross of Calvary. Jesus declares:

I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. Isaiah 13:12.

Jesus sees the guilt of the past, and speaks pardon, and we must not dishonor Him by doubting His love. 

This feeling of guiltiness must be laid at the foot of the cross.

He honors your faith

The Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world is Jesus as:

• shown in types and shadowed in symbols

• manifested in the revelation of the prophets

• unveiled in the lessons given to His disciples

• shown in the miracles wrought for the people.

Christ is the door to the fold of God. Through Him God’s children of all times have and will find entrance.

They exercise repentance toward God for the violation of the Divine law, and faith toward Christ, who died for humans' justification.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1.

The sacrifice was complete. It is your privilege and duty to show to the world that you have an entire, all-powerful Savior.

The Son of the infinite God died to purchase a full and free salvation for all that would accept it.

In this life we must meet fiery trials and make costly sacrifices, but the peace of Christ is the reward.

We must be partakers with Christ of His sufferings, if we would sit down in triumph with Him on His throne.

Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged. Therefore, His followers are to manifest the same enduring faith.

They are to live as He lived, and work as He worked, because they depend on Him as the great Master Worker.

On the other hand, as long as we are frightened at self-denial, our faith will never become firm. 

Moreover, we cannot know the peace of Jesus, nor the joy that comes through conscious victory.

Make your peace with Christ today

Choose you this day whom ye will serve. Joshua 24:15.

Everyone is free to choose what power he or she will have to rule over them. 

None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ.

Don’t choose to stay in darkness. 

Come out of the cold and dark cave of unbelief into the upper chamber to rejoice the sunshine of God's love, and enjoy peace and rest in the presence of Jesus.

He said: I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12.

Penitence at the foot of the cross is the first lesson of peace we have to learn.

If we would know the value of a human soul, we must look in living faith upon the cross.

Those who will consent to enter into a covenant relation with God are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:6.

Put your case into the hands of the great Advocate, and He will plead for you before the Father.

Though you have transgressed the law, and must acknowledge your guilt, Christ will present His blood in your behalf, and through faith and humble obedience you may stand acquitted at last.

Christ is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him. Hebrews 7:25.

We have a whole Savior, and let us have a whole faith in Him who has died for the sins of the people, and for my sins.

Christ invites us to give Him our heart. His invitation is to a pure, holy, and happy life of: 

• peace and rest

• liberty and love

and to a rich inheritance in the future - immortal life.

If we choose to live with Christ through the ceaseless ages of eternity, why not choose Him now as our most loved and trusted friend, our best and wisest counsellor?

Peace in the knowledge of God

We must have knowledge of ourselves, knowledge that results in contrition, before we can find pardon and peace.

Moreover, we must know our real condition, that we are sinners - or we will not feel our need for Christ's help.

Christ came to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, 

and recover of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. Luke 4:18.

Nevertheless, they that are whole need not a physician. Luke 5:31.

When we felt no conviction of sin, the Holy Spirit could not work in us. Furthermore, we must feel the pain of our wounds, or we should not desire healing.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

According as His Divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, 

through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:2, 3.

All the knowledge that is of value to mankind proceeds from God. The Word of God is light and truth.

The true light shines from Jesus Christ, who lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 1:9.

Furthermore, it is said of His teaching:

The common people heard Him gladly. Mark 12:37.

Never man spake like this Man. John 7:46.

His words comforted, strengthened, and blessed those who were longing for the peace that He alone could give.

Therefore, everyone needs to have personal experience in obtaining knowledge of the Will of God.

He bids us: Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10. Here alone true rest can be found.

Thus amid the strain of life's intense activities, the soul will be surrounded with an atmosphere of light and peace.

Do you know the Gift of God

If the deceptive power of Satan is resisted then:

• blinded eyes would be opened

• unbelieving hearts would be made to perceive

• unsaved souls would have a knowledge of the unspeakable gift

• they would press to the throne of grace with prayer, entreating that they might drink of the living water.

If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, 

and he would have given thee living water. John 4:10.

Jesus is to give the knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God...

to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:78-79.

Jesus says: I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me. John 14:6.

If you make room for Jesus, and cleanse your soul from the defilement of sin, you may enjoy perfect peace with God. 

But some will ask: How am I to do this?

It is by an entire surrender of your will and your way to God. 

The peace of God will not rule in your hearts while you retain your worldly ambitions and indulgences.

When we profess the truth, it is our privilege and duty to show to the world that it has had a transforming power upon life and character.

If you know the gift of God and have an experimental knowledge of the blessings Christ bestows upon the perishing, will you:

• be silent

• have no interest in others

• be indifferent as to whether or not they know the way of salvation

• not make known to others the precious light of truth, that they also may ask of Him, and receive the living water?

Peace through His Law

God's grace does not detract from the law, but establishes the law as changeless in its character.

Furthermore, the Gospel of grace does not come in to excuse the sinner in the continuance of sin.

Thus mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Psalm 85:10.

Jesus is called: In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: 

and this is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness. Jeremiah 23:6.

Then you can by faith appropriate the merits of the blood of a crucified Redeemer to your own case - the Lord my righteousness.

God reveals the principles of righteousness in order to shield us from the results of transgression.

The law lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, and temptations that lead to sin.

God desires us to be happy, and He gave us the precepts of the law that in obeying them we might have joy.

Let your heart be filled with an intense longing for His righteousness, the work of which God's Word declares is peace, and affects quietness and assurance forever.

In keeping God’s Commandments there is great reward.

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:165.

There is no peace in unrighteousness. The wicked are at war with God.

On the other hand, one who receives the righteousness of the law in Christ is in harmony with Heaven.

Blessed are the peacemakers

The peace of Christ is born of truth. It is harmony with God.

On the other hand, the world is at enmity with the Law of God. Thus sinners are at enmity with their Maker. 

Therefore, they are at enmity with one another.

Great peace have they which love thy law. Humans cannot manufacture peace.

Human plans for purification and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail to produce peace, because they do not reach the heart.

The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ.

When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissension.

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree. Isaiah 55:13. 

And the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. Isaiah 35:1.

Peace of mind

When the Spirit of God controls mind and heart, the converted souls break forth into a new song.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace…

Break forth into joy, sing together...for the Lord hath comforted his people, He hath redeemed Jerusalem. Isaiah 52:7, 9.

They realize that in their experience the promise of God has been fulfilled - their transgression has been forgiven, and sin covered.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7.

Here is the healthful train of thought for the mind to follow:

Whatever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things...

and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8, 9.

Therefore, control your mind. Educate it to dwell only on those things which bring peace and love.

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion, and every evil work.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, 

full of mercy, and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

But the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3:16, 18.

There is a need for close self-examination in the light of the Word of God.

Let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Ephesians 4:26.

Make confession to the ones you have offended. Tell those that wronged your feelings that you have no contention toward them. 

For this dishonors God.

Then, though:

• you may not be able to soften the heart of the one who has wronged you

• your kindness may be repulsed

you have done your duty.

God will give you His peace of mind and grace. Moreover, He will increase your trust in Him.

Peace of heart

People's experience testifies to the truth of the words of Scripture:

The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest...

There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. Isaiah 57:20, 21.

Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is not brought under control, we can find no rest. 

Human power can’t control the masterful passions of the heart .

We are as helpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm. But He who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee has spoken the word of peace to every soul.

However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus with the cry - Lord, save us, will find deliverance.

His grace, that reconciles the soul to God, quiets the strife of human passion and in His love the heart is at rest.

Continue reading: When The Heart is Renewed By The Divine Spirit

He maketh the storm calm, so that the waves thereof are still. 

Then are they glad because they are quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven. Psalm 107:29, 30.

Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1.

The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. Isaiah 32:17.

Let us cooperate with God, making it possible for Him to answer our prayers. He has promised:

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: 

and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Ezekiel 36: 26, 27.

Then stop worrying over the troubles that you so often bring upon yourselves. Come like a penitent child to Jesus, confessing your sins.

Thus saith the high and holy One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: 

I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit,

to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15.

There is peace in perfect submission. Peace follows grace. They work in perfect harmony, and are multiplied in progression.

When the hand of faith takes hold of the hand of Christ, the expression of the heart is:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead;

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3, 5.

A peaceful life of obedience

Jesus lived a life of obedience to all His Father's commandments.

I have kept my Father's commandments. John 15:10.

If you follow Christ, you will find that in the path of obedience: 

Great peace have they that love thy law, and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:165.

You cannot disrespect or break God's holy Law by which is the knowledge of sin, and still have the favor of God.

If you love God, you will be obedient to all His commandments, for His commandments are not grievous.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36, 37.

Do not close your eyes to this danger.

Nevertheless, God Himself is:

• The Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He. Deuteronomy 32:4

• Our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1.

He has given us His promises. They are more firm and immovable than the rocky heights, the everlasting hills.

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, 

neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. Isaiah 54:10 - from those who by faith make Him their trust.

Then why not seek for the things that make for your peace?

Why not make the kingdom of God and His righteousness the first consideration. 

Moreover, be assured that your heavenly Father will add unto you all things necessary?

For them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 1 Samuel 2:30.

Christ will keep the names of all who sacrificed to Him upon the altar of faith and love.

The names of the obedient and faithful will:

• be engraved upon the palms of His hands

• not be spewed from His mouth, but be taken in His lips

• plead in their behalf before the Father

• have their names remembered.

In order to be happy ourselves, we must live to make others happy.

It is well for us to yield our possessions, talents and affections in devotion to Christ, and thus finding happiness here and immortal glory hereafter.

Conclusion

Christ's call is: In this thy day, seek those things which will make for your peace both in this life, 

and when I raise you up on the last day for eternal life. Luke 19:42; Romans 14:19; John 6:40.

Therefore, if you don’t make Christ ashamed of you in word or action, or in any way, 

then the blessing and peace of God will be in your heart every day you live.

Furthermore, take hold of Christ's strength and make peace with Him today.

If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. 2 Timothy 2:12.

For your sake he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9.

We should be just as willing to bear shame, reproach, and suffering for the Majesty of Heaven, as He was to endure the cross for us.

Make the enemy's efforts a failure as far as you are concerned. 

The Lord will draw near to you, and will give you a rich measure of love, peace and joy.

Thus even in the midst of the trial of your faith, you can bear triumphant witness to the truth of His words of promise. 

You will have a sense of the Divine presence.

There are many who cry peace, peace, when there is no peace. This is the most perilous belief for humans to entertain.

Christ speaks to all who bear His name and claim to be His followers, to eat His flesh and drink His blood, else they can have no part with Him.

Now the God of hope fills you with all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13.

References:

1. ST, Jun 1895; PP 294; ST, Oct 1896; RH, May 1896; ST, May 1893; MB 99; ST, Aug 1892; AA 476; BE, Jun 1894; COL 158; DA 302, 363; ST, Jun 1893; RH, May 1891; 1T 711; SW, Dec 1899; 3T 250 - The Ellen G. White Estate

2. The Bible, King James Version (KJV