PEACE

The God of Peace and the Peace of God

This section introduces the "ministry of reconciliation" entrusted to the church by Jesus (Paul's terminology in 2 Corinthians 5:18). As Christians spread the Gospel, they bring peace to people mired in a spiritual war. Jesus calls believers "peacemakers" in Mathew 5:9 and refers to them as "sons of God," a Semitic way of saying that they share the qualities or characteristics of the God of peace.

Genesis 3:15 records the first Gospel promise of a Savior. New Testament authors never cite this passage, but it is easy for Christians to see a strong reference to the coming cross--- apparent defeat followed by joyful victory over sin, Satan, and death. God reconciled the world to Himself at the cross, and Jesus commissions His church to spread that word of reconciliation and peace.

A woman (the people of God), a red dragon (Satan), a male child (Jesus), God, the archangel Michael and his angels.
They overcome Satan by the blood of Christ (the Lamb) and by the Word. Note that they still faced death. Their victory is spiritual security but not necessarily physical security.

We enjoy peace with God through the Gospel. However, Satan will not make peace. In fact, he rages all the more against the people of God.

Real peace comes from God alone, who reconciled us to Himself through Jesus and has made us "the righteousness of God." Through us God makes His appeal to the world, calling all people to reconciliation and peace.