Topical Encyclopedia
PeaceIn the biblical context, peace is a multifaceted concept that encompasses not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of harmony, wholeness, and well-being. The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," signifies completeness and soundness, while the Greek word "eirene" in the New Testament conveys a similar sense of tranquility and order.
The Bible presents God as the ultimate source of peace. In the Old Testament, God is often referred to as "Yahweh Shalom," meaning "The LORD is Peace" (
Judges 6:24). This divine peace is not merely the cessation of war but a profound sense of spiritual and communal well-being.
Isaiah 9:6 prophesies the coming of the "Prince of Peace," a title attributed to Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of God's promise of peace to His people.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies and imparts peace. In
John 14:27, Jesus assures His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid." This peace is distinct from worldly peace, as it is rooted in a reconciled relationship with God through Christ's atoning sacrifice.
Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
The Apostle Paul frequently emphasizes peace as a fruit of the Spirit and a hallmark of Christian living. In
Galatians 5:22-23, peace is listed among the fruits of the Spirit, indicating that it is a natural outcome of a life led by the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, believers are called to be peacemakers, as Jesus taught in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (
Matthew 5:9).
HolinessHoliness in the Bible refers to the state of being set apart for God's purposes and living in accordance with His will. The concept of holiness is central to both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting God's own nature and His call for His people to be distinct from the world.
In the Old Testament, holiness is primarily associated with God, who is described as "holy, holy, holy" (
Isaiah 6:3). God's holiness is His absolute moral purity and separateness from sin. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, as seen in
Leviticus 19:2: "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" This call to holiness involved adherence to the Law and the sacrificial system, which symbolized purification and dedication to God.
In the New Testament, holiness is further developed through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to live holy lives as a response to the grace they have received through Christ.
1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness is not about legalistic rule-following but about a transformation of the heart and mind through the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul underscores the importance of holiness in the life of a believer. In
1 Thessalonians 4:7, he writes, "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness." Holiness is seen as a process of sanctification, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ.
Hebrews 12:14 further emphasizes the necessity of holiness: "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."
In summary, peace and holiness are deeply interconnected in the biblical narrative. Peace is both a gift from God and a fruit of a holy life, while holiness is the pathway to experiencing the fullness of God's peace. Together, they form the foundation of a life that reflects God's character and fulfills His purposes.
