The Peace Of Christ - Making Peace With God

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                         "THE PEACE OF CHRIST"

                         Making Peace With God

INTRODUCTION

1. Previously, we defined peace as...
   a. "a state of harmony, tranquility"
   b. "the absence of hostility, the absence of mental stress or
      anxiety"

2. In the Bible, the word peace is used to translate...
   a. Shalom (Hebrew) - completeness, soundness, welfare, peace - BDB
      Hebrew Dictionary
   b. Eirene (Greek) - often refers to the inner tranquility and poise
      of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ - Nelson's
      New Illustrated Bible Dictionary

3. Previously, we made the following observations...
   a. Not everyone enjoys peace
   b. Jesus came to bring peace
   c. The peace that Jesus offers entails many things

[We now examine more closely the peace Jesus offers, beginning with
"Making Peace With God"...]

I. THE NEED FOR PEACE WITH GOD

   A. HE IS THE GOD OF PEACE...
      1. God is often identified as "the God of peace" - e.g., Ro 15:33
      2. He is the source of true peace - cf. Ro 15:13; 1Co 1:3
      3. It is His peace that can guard our hearts - Php 4:7
      -- To know God is to truly know peace!

   B. SIN ALIENATES MAN FROM GOD...
      1. Sin separates man from God so that He will not hear - Isa 59:
         1-2; cf. 1Pe 3:12
      2. God will not let the wicked enjoy peace - e.g., Isa 57:19-21
      3. "There may be the appearance of joy, and there may be temporary
         prosperity. But there is no abiding, substantial, permanent
         happiness..." - Barnes
      -- Without God, there can be no true peace!

[As often stated: "No God, no peace; know God, know peace".  For sinners
alienated from the God of peace...]

II. JESUS MAKES PEACE WITH GOD POSSIBLE

   A. THROUGH JUSTIFICATION...
      1. Justified by faith, we have peace with God - Ro 5:1
      2. Justification means "not guilty", and this comes through grace
         and redemption - Ro 3:24
      3. Redemption comes through Jesus' blood, as a propitiation for
         sin - Ro 3:25; cf. 1Jn 4:10
      4. Thus God becomes the justifier of the one who has faith in
         Christ - Ro 3:26
      5. Such faith in Christ is an obedient faith - Ro 1:5; cf. He 5:9
      -- Justification through faith in Christ leads to peace with God!

   B. THROUGH RECONCILIATION...
      1. Remember, sin separates man from God - Isa 59:2
      2. But God reconciles man back to Himself through Jesus Christ
         - 2Co 5:18
      3. Indeed, the apostles were given a ministry of reconciliation
         - 2Co 5:18-19
      4. As ambassadors of Christ, they implore us to be reconciled to
         God - 2Co 5:20
      -- When one obeys the gospel of Christ, they are reconciled to
         God!

[Through justification by faith in Christ, we are reconciled with the
God of peace!  What kind of peace does God offer those who have been
reconciled with Him...?]

III. THE PEACE OF GOD

   A. DESCRIBED...
      1. God offers perfect peace - Isa 26:3
      2. He offers peace like a river - Isa 48:18
      3. He is willing to fill us with peace - Ro 15:13
      4. He is willing to give us peace always, in every way - 2Th 3:16
      -- Wonderful is the peace that only God can provide!

   B. ENJOYED...
      1. By those whose minds are stayed on Him, who trust in Him - Isa
         26:3; cf. Col 3:1-2
      2. By those who heed His commandments - Isa 48:18
      3. By those who believe - Ro 15:13
      4. By those who let it rule in their hearts - Col 3:15
      -- Those who believe and obey are the true recipients the peace of
         God!

CONCLUSION

1. Have you obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ...?
   a. Believe in Jesus as the Son of God who died for your sins! - Jn
      8:24
   b. Repent of your sins, choosing to live for God! - Ac 17:30
   c. Confess your faith in Jesus as Lord! - Ro 10:9-10
   d. Be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins! - Mk 16:16; Ac
      2:38; 22:16; Ga 3:27
   e. Remain faithful to Jesus! - Mt 28:19-10; Re 2:10

2. You will be justified by faith, reconciled to God...
   a. You will be at peace with God! - Ro 5:2
   b. His peace can now rule in your hearts! - Col 3:15

Look to the gospel of Jesus Christ if you want peace with the God of
peace...!

   "The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless
   His people with peace." - Ps 29:11

   "The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine
   upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance
   upon you, And give you peace." - Num 6:24-26
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