A WANNABE FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY, AND A DISCIPLE OF ST. ARBUCKS

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

For He Himself is our peace

I was reading in Ephesians 2:14: For He Himself is our peace, it peaked my curiosity so I looked up the greek meaning for that word "peace". This is quite crucial for us.

The greek word translated "peace" here is
Eirene; peace, rest. In contrast with strife; denoting the absence or end of strife. Eirene denotes a state of untroubled, undisturbed, well-being {James 3:18- And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace .(eirene)}. Such a state of peace is the object of divine and saving promise and is brought about by God's mercy, granting deliverance and freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as a result of sin. Peace as a Messianic blessing is that state brought about by the grace and loving mind of God wherein the derangement and distress of life caused by sin are removed. Hence, the message of salvation is called the Gospel of peace {Acts 10:36- The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace (eirene) through Jesus Christ; Romans 10:15 T.R.- How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"; Ephesians 2:17- AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE (eirene) TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; 6:15- and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE (eirene)}. It is called the peace of God, not that God needs it, but God gives it {Philippians 4:7- And the peace (eirene) of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23- Now may the God of peace (eirene) Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.}, the peace of Christ {Colossians 3:15- Let the peace (eirene) of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.}. It can be the result only of accomplished reconciliation {Romans 5:1- Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace (eirene) with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,; Ephesians 2:16,17- 16and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE (eirene) TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE (eirene) TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR;} referring to the new relationship between man and God brought about by the atonement {Romans 5:9,10- 9Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.}.

Is this not awesome?!!