What is the most sought-after, and yet the most elusive possession in the world? You may have your own answer to this question, but one thing that we all long for is peace. Peace between nations, peace in the home, peace in the schools, and most of all, peace in our own hearts, knowing that our future is safe and secure.
The Bible states that true peace can only be found in the knowledge that our sins are forgiven, knowing our eternal future is secure.
It was always God’s intention that there would be perfect harmony and peace between Himself and His creation; but sin entered the world, causing separation between God and man, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). A holy God must punish sin, and “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). So, how can we have peace with the threat of God’s wrath hanging over us?
The answer to this question is found in the reason why Christ came into the world in the first place. The Bible tells us simply why He came:
Did He come primarily to heal the sick, give sight to the blind or feed the hungry? Was it to be a moral example? Was it to show us how to be a good neighbour? Was it to give us “religion”? He came to save us, to pay for our sins, to give us eternal life, to give us peace with God. He came into the world to save sinners.
Because God is holy, we can never enter heaven with our sins. Because God is just, we must be punished for our sins eternally. But because God is love, He sent His Son the Lord Jesus to come into this world, to die instead of us, and to take the punishment for our sins.
Religion, upright living, charitable works, or even reading your Bible and praying cannot bring eternal peace. It is not something that can be earned, but only received as a free gift of grace from God Himself.
The Bible reminds us that we can do nothing to obtain this peace.
“All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” in His sight (Isaiah 64:6). The Lord Jesus Christ is the only one who can give us peace, for He purchased our salvation- our peace – when He “made peace throught the blood of His cross” Colossians 1:20
By His grace, God has provided the gift of salvation for each one of us. His Son came into the world to pay our ransom, set us free, and give us a home in heaven.
What we do with God’s gift is up to us
“But God commendeth His love towards us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“For 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
“By grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” Ephesians. 2:8-9
“Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 5:1
