Jesus did not come to bring peace on earth, but rather between God and man (Mt 10:34-36). The blood he shed on the cross to atone for our sins accomplished this, as it appeased the wrath of God hanging over all mankind (1 Jn 2:1-2, Rom 3:21-26). Further, man’s definition of peace differs from God’s. In the world, men advocate for a peace based on a compromised truth under a false flag of love. This so-called advertised unity is a smoke screen to disguise a more sinister intent and plot by Satan to draw creation away from the Creator. Such false peace blinds us to the reality of our true standing before God. Paul taught that it is when mankind is unified in this self-deception, destruction will appear suddenly (1 Th 5:1-3).
The truth is this: man apart from Christ cannot promote peace of any kind because we do not possess it. This is why it is important to see how Jesus defines true peacemakers in this verse. Their qualifications are these:
- Such persons are Christian. They have received the good news of salvation as the gift it is and been reconciled to the Father. Jesus is their peace and they are made right with God only through him.
- Such persons promote the same message they have received to others, that is Christ crucified.
- Such persons understand the Gospel message will confront the false peace the dwells in sinful men’s heart thus initiating struggle from within them.
- Such persons prays that God will condition the heart of those who hear its message that they can receive the Gospel of Peace, thus yielding to its truth and allowing the Prince of Peace (our Savior) to enter, take up residence, and grow and flourish. Like a seed sown on good soil.
This is heaven’s administration of true peace, which is why Jesus declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” In other words, those who promote his Gospel reveal themselves as God’s children who have joined in the work of their Heavenly Father’s kingdom activity on earth. Therefore, though despised among men, God places a designation of high honor and dignity upon them, thus, “Blessed are…,” they. Those who declare the Gospel of Peace to the lost are great in heaven. The very ground they walk on in this life to advance his message is precious and favored before God, thus (Rom 10:15), “…How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” They are God’s Peace Corps on earth appealing to all men to receive the reconciliation of Jesus by which is man’s only access to true and lasting peace.
True peace on earth is to know Jesus and live for him. His peacemakers are ambassadors to the world as recipients of and promoters of this divine grace. Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com