Three Biblical terms:
'Peace of God':
The inner tranquility and assurance offered to believers ... Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
When we confidently commit everything into the hands of God, worry concerning the demands of this life is dispelled ... Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee. (Isaiah 26:3)
'Peace with God':
A restored relationship with the Father through the Son ... Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
The redeemed are no longer enemies ... but children of God and objects of His favor. Know that 'peace with God' is a fact, not a feeling. It is based on the sufficiency of Christ and our 'position' in HIm ... For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)
Paul used this phrase to express a blessing or benediction over those he addressed ... Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:3)
Spurgeon - Grace first, for that is the fountain; then peace comes, for that is the fitting stream to flow from the fountain of grace. Seek not peace first, for there is no peace for unregenerate man; grace first, then peace, and both must come 'from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ'.
Spiritual peace is a fruit of the Spirit, a state of well-being that goes beyond the absence of conflict. It separates a believer from those who don't know Christ as Savior. An unsaved person will notice ... which opens the door for the Holy Spirit to convict them of their need for God.
So ... be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you. (1 Peter 3:15)
Shalom, pilgrim.
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