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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: PEACE (12/02/21)
Critics frequently ask, “Where is the peace on Earth that the angels announced at the First Advent?”

“And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased (Luke 2: 13, 14 NASB)."

Some Christian apologists might respond by saying that international peace will not be fully realized until a future dispensation is in view. While there will be such a dispensation (Isa. 2: 4), a closer examination of Scripture will reveal that the way of securing the type of peace that the angels at the First Advent spoke of, had in fact, arrived (John 14:6 NASB).

“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me (John 14: 6 NASB).”

“…for TODAY in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2: 11 NASB capitalization mine).”

Before examining the Luke 2: 14 type of peace, let us clear the path of understanding by removing all the obstacles and pitfalls by clarifying the types of peace that were NOT being announced by the angels at the First Advent.

Jesus made it perfectly clear that His coming would NOT bring about interpersonal or international peace at that time. In fact, He made it clear that the significance of His coming would be a bone of contention within the closest of human relationships (Luke 12: 52). Jesus made it clear that there would still be wars and rumors of wars throughout the course of human history that must take place (Matt. 24: 6, 7), leading up to His return (Zechariah 14).

Paul, under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, wrote, “IF possible, so far as it depends on YOU, be at peace with ALL men (Romans 12: 18 NASB capitalization mine).”.

Note the conditional phrase, “If possible…”. There will be (2Tim. 3: 12) times when taking a stand for God will generate adversity. To be at peace with the world means to be a war with God, and vice versa (James 4: 4).

The type of peace that the angels at the First Advent announced has to do with reconciliation between Fallen Man and God. Since the Fall, a state of hostility exists between God and the human soul until he or she is born again (John 8: 24).

Although God desires (1Tim. 2: 4) that every soul would be saved through such faith, Scripture (e.g., Rev. 20: 15) makes it clear that this will not be the case. Until one is saved, he or she is NOT at peace with God.

Note that the angels announced that the type of peace they spoke of would be found, “…AMONG men with whom He is pleased (Luke 2: 14 NASB capitalization mine).”

This raises the obvious question as to the identity the ones among us with whom God is pleased. The answer is found in John 3: 16. The one with whom God is so pleased is the one who, “believes in Him (John 3: 16 NASB).”.

To believe in Him goes further than just knowing of His existence. The devil knows “of” Him. To believe in Him means to place one’s full trust and confidence in Who (Luke 22: 70) and What (John 1: 29/John 14: 6) He claimed to be.

Since the Fall of Man, we come into this world spiritually dead, separated from God.

We come into this world with a nature that is not merely indifferent, but with one that is actually hostile (Romans 8: 7) towards God and the things of God.

This state of hostility remains in place until it is replaced with the peace of God spoken of by the angels at the First Advent. This peace is one of several other things (e.g., Eph. 4: 30/Titus 3: 5) received the moment one is born again (John 3: 5, 7).

Post salvation sin takes one out of fellowship with God. Being out of fellowship with God opens the door for the born-again believer to be disciplined (Heb. 12: 6) here on Earth. Post salvation sin can impact one’s reward in Heaven (1Cor. 3: 15).

Never the less, post salvation sin does not void the (Luke 2: 14) peace treaty that goes into effect the moment one is born again (2Tim. 2: 13/Romans 8: 1).
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Laurie Kiel 
12/14/21
A very timely piece for the tumultuous times we live and the season. One tiny thing, “never the less” in the last paragraph should be “nevertheless. @Otherwise it was a well written, well constructed richly supported with scripture piece.