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The Biblical Definition of Peace: Understanding God’s Plan for Wholeness and Harmony – Viral Believer
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The Biblical Definition of Peace: Understanding God’s Plan for Wholeness and Harmony

Introduction

As Christians, we often talk about the importance of peace. We sing songs about it, pray for it, and long for it in our lives and in the world around us. But what does peace really mean according to the Bible? How does God define peace, and what is His plan for bringing it to fruition?

In this post, we will explore the biblical definition of peace and its significance for our lives as believers.

peace in the Bible

I. The Hebrew Concept of Peace: Shalom as Wholeness and Well-Being

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for peace is “shalom”. This word is used to describe a state of wholeness, completeness, and well-being. Shalom encompasses not just the absence of conflict or trouble, but also the presence of prosperity, health, and vitality.

Shalom is used in describing a range of circumstances, from the restoration of health (Genesis 29:6) to a cessation of war (Joshua 9:15). But shalom is not just about external circumstances – it is also about the inner state of a person’s being. The psalmist writes, “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psalm 119:165, NKJV). Here, shalom is linked to obedience to God’s law and an inner state of calm and stability.

The prophet Isaiah captures the idea of shalom in his description of the coming Messianic age: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, NKJV). The Hebrew word used here for “peace” is “shalom”, which signifies that the Messiah will bring about a state of wholeness and completeness for His people.

II. The Greek Concept of Peace: Eirene as Harmony and Tranquility

In the New Testament, the Greek word for peace is “eirene”. This word is used to describe a state of harmony, tranquility, and absence of strife. Eirene is often used in the context of relationships between people, and it carries the idea of reconciliation and unity.

Paul describes the connection between peace and unity in his letter to the Ephesians: “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3, NKJV). Here, the word “peace” is used to describe the bond that holds believers together in unity.

Jesus also emphasizes the importance of eirene in relationships when He teaches His disciples to reconcile with one another: “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24, NKJV).

III. The Relationship between God and Peace: The Source of Shalom and Eirene

The biblical concept of peace is intimately connected to the character of God. Throughout the Bible, God is described as the source of peace. In fact, one of the names given to God in the Old Testament is “Jehovah Shalom”, which means “the Lord is peace” (Judges 6:24, NKJV).

Jesus also speaks of Himself as the source of peace in the New Testament: “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” (John 14:27, NKJV). Jesus promises to give His disciples peace that is not dependent on external circumstances, but that comes from His own presence and power.

The peace that God offers is not a shallow or temporary peace that comes and goes with the changing tides of life. It is a deep and abiding peace that is rooted in our relationship with God. As the apostle, Paul writes, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, NKJV). This peace comes from knowing and trusting in God, and it guards our hearts and minds against the anxiety and fear that can so easily overwhelm us.

IV. The Call to Pursue Peace: Seeking Shalom and Eirene in Our Lives and Communities

As Christians, we are called to pursue peace in our own lives and in the world around us. The Bible commands us to seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14, NKJV). This means actively working towards wholeness and harmony in our relationships, communities, and the world at large.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of pursuing peace in His Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9, NKJV). As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers in a world that is often marked by conflict and division.

This means not only seeking peace in our personal relationships but also working toward justice and reconciliation in society. The prophet Micah summarizes this call to pursue peace: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8, NKJV). Pursuing justice and mercy is an essential aspect of pursuing peace in our world.

V. The Ultimate Fulfillment of Peace: The Peaceable Kingdom and the New Heavens and New Earth

While we strive to pursue peace in our lives and in the world, we recognize that ultimate peace will only be fully realized in the future when Christ returns and establishes His kingdom on earth. The biblical concept of the “peaceable kingdom” is one in which all of creation is in harmony and at peace with God and one another.

Isaiah describes this vision of peace: “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6, NKJV). This is a picture of complete shalom, where even the animal kingdom is at peace with one another.

The book of Revelation also describes the fulfillment of peace in the new heavens and new earth: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4, NKJV). This is a picture of ultimate eirene, where all strife and conflict are eradicated, and God’s peace reigns supreme.

Conclusion: Living in Accordance with God’s Definition of Peace

As Christians, we are called to live in accordance with God’s definition of peace. We are to pursue shalom and eirene in our own lives, our relationships, and our communities. We are to be peacemakers in a world that is often marked by conflict and division.

At the same time, we recognize that ultimate peace will only be realized when Christ returns and establishes His kingdom on earth. We look forward to the day when God’s shalom and eirene will reign supreme, and we work towards that end even now.

May we all seek to live in accordance with God’s definition of peace, pursuing wholeness, harmony, and well-being in our own lives and in the world around us. As we do so, we can trust in the promise of God’s presence and power, knowing that He is the source of true and lasting peace.

As the apostle Paul writes, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, NKJV).

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.