God’s Peace Through It All by Warren B. Smith is our newest Lighthouse Trails Booklet. It is the 15th booklet in Warren’s scriptural encouragement Through It All series). The booklet is 18 pages long and sells for $1.95 for single copies. Quantity discounts are available. Our booklets are designed to give away to others or for your own personal use. Below is the content of this new booklet. To order copies of God’s Peace Through It All, click here.
God’s Peace Through It All
By Warren B. Smith
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee. (Isaiah 26:3)
God’s peace. Peace on Earth. The peace that passeth all understanding. We all yearn for that peace—both now and for all eternity. The Bible makes it clear that God’s peace is available to us through a saving relationship with the Prince of Peace—Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9). For He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14)—the one mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). Yet Scripture warns there is a deceptive false Christ and a deceptive false peace coming that will seduce the whole world (Revelation 18:23). By studying God’s Word and rightly dividing Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15), we learn how to discern and experience the true peace of God through it all.
The Christmas Story
Many of us were first introduced to “God’s peace” in the Christmas story we heard as children:
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:8-14)
Christmas Carols
As children, we also heard about God’s peace in Christmas carols we sang at church, at home, or caroling with our friends and neighbors:
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn king;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Silent Night! Holy Night!
Silent night! Holy night!
All is Calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child.
Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, goodwill to men,
From heaven’s all-gracious King.”
Hymns
God’s peace was mentioned in many of the hymns we sang at church:
Sweet Peace, the Gift of God’s Love
There comes to my heart one sweet strain,
A glad and joyous refrain;
I sing it again and again,
Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.
It Is Well With My Soul
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say:
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”
Amazing Grace
And when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
God’s Peace in the Bible
God Is the God of Peace
Now the God of peace be with you all. (Romans 15:33)
God Is the Author of Peace
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians14:33)
God’s Kingdom Is Peace
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17)
God’s Peace Is Like a River
For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. (Isaiah 66:12)
God Speaks Peace to His People
I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. (Psalm 85:8)
God’s Peace Is to Be Proclaimed
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! (Isaiah 52:7)
God Blesses His People With Peace
The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)
Jesus Christ Is the Prince of Peace
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
God’s Peace Preached by Jesus Christ
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all). (Acts 10:36)
Jesus Christ Is Our Peace
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. (Ephesians 2:14)
We Have Peace With God Through Jesus Christ
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1)
We Have Peace With God in Jesus Christ
These things I have 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)
Jesus Christ Died on the Cross to Make Peace
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself. (Colossians 1:20)
Jesus Christ Gives Us His Peace
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)
God’s Peace Is for the Spiritually Minded
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6)
God’s Peace Is One of the Fruits of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
God’s Peace Is a Delight
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (Psalm 37:11)
God’s Peace Passeth All Understanding
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
God’s Peace Is to Rule in Our Hearts
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (Colossians 3:15)
God’s Peace for Those Who Love God’s Law
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. (Psalm 119:165)
God’s Peace for Those Who Observe His Commandments
O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea, (Isaiah 48:18)
God’s Peace Helps Us to Stand
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:13-15)
God’s Peace Is Abundant
In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. (Psalm 72:7)
God’s Peace Shall Be With You
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:9)
God’s Peace Is Eternal
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:7)
God’s Peace: Greetings and Farewells
Old Testament
Greetings and farewells that invoke peace are scattered throughout the Old Testament. For example—“Peace be to you” (Genesis 43:23), “Peace be unto thee” (Judges 6:23), “Peace be to thine house” (1 Samuel 25:6), “Go in peace” (2 Samuel 15:9),“Peace be to thine helpers” (1 Chronicles 12:18), “Peace be multiplied unto you” (Daniel 6:25), and “Fear not: peace be unto thee” (Daniel 10:19).
New Testament
The New Testament is filled with greetings and farewells that proclaim God’s peace.
Jesus Christ
To the Disciples
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (John 20:19)
And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. (John 20:26)
To the Woman With the Alabaster Box
And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. (Luke 7:50)
Apostle Paul
To the Romans
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:7)
That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. (Romans 15:30-33)
To the Corinthians
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:2-3)
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
To the Galatians
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (Galatians 6:15-16)
To the Ephesians
Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 6:23)
To the Philippians
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:2)
To the Colossians
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:1-2)
To the Thessalonians
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
To Timothy
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Timothy 1:1-2)
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (2 Timothy 1:1-2)
To Titus
To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. (Titus 1:4)
To Philemon
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philemon 1:1-3)
To the Hebrews
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. (Hebrews 13:20-21)
Apostle Peter
To the Saints Scattered Abroad
Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Peter 5:14)
To Those With Like Precious Faith
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:1-2)
Apostle John
To the Elect Lady
The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. (2 John1:1-3)
To Gaius
But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name. (3 John 1:14)
Jude
To Those Sanctified, Preserved, and Called
Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace and love, be multiplied. (Jude 1:1-2)
False Peace
While there is much said about God’s peace in the Bible, there are also strong warnings about false peace. This false peace was warned about in both the Old and New Testaments.
Deceptive Peacemakers
All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee. (Obadiah 1:7)
Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace. (Ezekiel 13:10)
To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 13:16)
They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. (Jeremiah 6:14)
Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him. (Micah 3:5)
Jesus Did Not Come to Bring World Peace
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. (Matthew 10:34-36)
False Peace and Safety
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (1Thessalonians 5:3)
Antichrist’s “Peace” Will Destroy Many
And through his policy also he [Antichrist] shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many. (Daniel 8:25)
Peace Taken From the Earth
And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. (Revelation 6:4)
Pray to Not be Deceived by False Peace
Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts. (Psalm 28:3)
Walk in Peace
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)
Seek Peace
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)
Make Peace
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:18)
Love Peace
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace. (Zechariah 8:19)
Live in Peace
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18)
Preach Peace
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:15)
Publish Peace
Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! (Nahum 1:15)
Follow Peace
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
Have Peace
Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. (Mark 9:50)
Counsel Peace
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. (Proverbs 12:20)
Keep Peace
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)
Be at Peace
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. (1Thessalonians 5:12-13)
Be Found in Peace
Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. (2 Peter 3:12-14)
Prayerful Blessing for Peace
Camped at the foot of Mount Sinai for months, the Israelites were ready to head out again for the promised land. Before leaving, God gave Moses a blessing to be shared with Aaron and his sons that was to be blessed upon the people. God concluded this prayerful blessing by giving His all-encompassing “shalom” peace—a peace that, at once, invoked safety, restoration, completeness, wholeness, prosperity, health, and special well-being upon each and every person.
Numbers 6:24-26
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
May this same blessing rest upon you as you endeavor to extend God’s peace to others in this lost and fallen world.
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(The photo used in the design of this booklet cover is from alamy.com; used with permission.)
