Peace

The previous posts have been about why bad things happen, arguments, and war, so it seems natural to follow them up with a study of peace. First of all, the question is often asked why God did not get rid of all of those bad things. However, these things are in the world as a consequence of sin and are the fault of us humans. Jesus came to defeat the sin, death, and the devil and get rid of the root cause of the problems, but the consequences will still remain until the last day, when His ultimate solution is fulfilled. Jesus even warned us of this.

Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. -Luke 12:51

  
What is peace? Peace is defined as: "Freedom from or the cessation of war or violence." Because we do not keep God's law perfectly, we are at  war with God. Jesus came to make peace between us, that is, to get us to stop our war against him. He does this by giving us faith in him, so that we can trust him. This reconciles us to Him. 

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. –Ephesians 2:13-16

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 5:1

Also, because of our disobedience, there must be a punishment, since God is just. However, Jesus took our place, so by His blood God is reconciled to us. 

and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. -Colossians 1:20

How do we receive this peace? How do we continue in it and get more of it? It is from God and it is tied to doctrine and the two enforce each other. Peace will help keep you in the faith and holding fast to the teachings of Christ will bring more peace.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. -Philippians 4:7-9

However, since we are still sinners, being at peace with him is an ongoing process and is part of sanctification. Therefore, we must stay in the word and continue to receive forgiveness through the sacraments.

according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. – 1 Peter 1:2

Now that God has put to an end our war with him, he also wants us to put to an end our war with each other. God wants us to have peace with our fellow believers.  He wants peace in His Church. Since, we just read that peace comes through the Word, this means that the Church should be unified around what God teaches us.

Be at peace among yourselves. -1 Thessalonians 5:13

be at peace with one another. –Mark 9:50

Besides just being at peace among other Christians, we should individually strive to live quiet lives not being at odds with other people in general.

let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. -1 Peter 3:11

Strive for peace with everyone -Hebrews 12:14

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. –Romans 12:18

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. – Matthew 5:9

Lastly, God's peace should give us internal peace. Even though bad things happen, we can be at peace, knowing that we have salvation in the Lord.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. -2 Thessalonians 3:16

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. –John 16:33