Topical Encyclopedia
PeaceIn the biblical context, peace is a multifaceted concept that encompasses spiritual, emotional, and relational dimensions. The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," signifies completeness, welfare, and harmony. In the New Testament, the Greek word "eirene" is used, reflecting a similar depth of meaning.
Peace is fundamentally rooted in the character of God.
Isaiah 9:6 refers to the Messiah as the "Prince of Peace," indicating that true peace originates from God Himself. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of righteousness and justice. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (
Matthew 5:9), highlighting the active role believers are to play in fostering peace.
The peace of God is a gift to believers, transcending human understanding.
Philippians 4:7 states, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" . This peace is a result of reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ, as described in
Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" .
Peace is also a fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in
Galatians 5:22. It is both a personal experience and a communal reality, as believers are called to live in peace with one another (
Romans 12:18). The pursuit of peace is integral to the Christian life, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.
SalvationSalvation is the central theme of the Bible, encapsulating God's redemptive plan for humanity. It is the deliverance from sin and its consequences, achieved through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The need for salvation arises from the fall of man, as all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (
Romans 3:23).
The Old Testament foreshadows salvation through various covenants and sacrificial systems, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. In the New Testament, salvation is presented as a gift of grace, received through faith.
Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" .
Jesus Christ is the sole mediator of salvation.
Acts 4:12 affirms, "Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" . His death and resurrection are the cornerstone of the Christian faith, providing the means for reconciliation with God.
Salvation encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification. Justification is the immediate act of being declared righteous before God. Sanctification is the ongoing process of being made holy, and glorification is the future hope of eternal life with God.
Romans 8:30 outlines this progression: "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified" .
The assurance of salvation is a source of profound peace for believers, as they are secure in the love and promises of God.
John 10:28-29 provides this assurance: "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand" .
In summary, peace and salvation are intricately linked in the Christian faith, both flowing from the redemptive work of Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
