"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'" (Luke 2:13-14; emphasis mine)
In the middle of the Advent narrative in Luke's gospel, we find this marvelous promise of peace. Yet while the angels sung of peace to the onlooking shepherds, Herod was in Jerusalem plotting to kill the promised Messiah. And the threat of death did not end while Jesus was in the cradle but continued until he faced the cross. Such tumult hardly conjures up thoughts of tranquility!
Even today, we find ourselves in a state of instability. As Americans, we face instability of all kinds. We face the instability of economic uncertainty. We face the instability of political unrest. We face the instability of terrorism. In light of these facts, the question emerges: did Christ fail in his attempt to bring peace?
Before we can answer this question, we must define peace. The peace that the Scriptures claim that Christ brings is not peace among men. It is an objective peace. It is not a subjective, inward feeling. The peace that the Bible speaks of is one between God and man. When Christ came, he came as the God-man, fully God and fully man. He represented the two parties which were at war. This is something that we need to remember in the church today: God was the enemy of man and man was the enemy of God. Reconciliation presupposes that both parties are adversarial to one another. Christ brought reconciliation when he faced the gauntlet of God's wrath at the cross. Thus, peace was accomplished once and for all by Christ on behalf of his people (cf. Matthew 1:21). Keeping this in mind, let us briefly consider three characteristics of this peace Christ brings.
1. This peace is effectual.
The peace that Christ brings through the gospel is not an ineffectual offer that has no capacity to save anyone. The peace that Christ brings was accomplished at Calvary. Divine satisfaction was made at the death of the Son of God. Tetelestai means that Christ's work needs of no addition. As we read in Luke 2:13-14, Christ came to bring peace. Either he succeeded this or he did not. To say that Christ brings the potential of peace for all but he does not actually accomplish it for anyone is to dishonor our Lord and Savior.
2. This peace is enduring.
Romans 5:1 says, "Having been justified by faith, we now have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. " Notice that the apostle says we "have peace with God." It is present tense. Peace for all those who are in union with Christ cannot be removed. Every sphere of salvation occurs in Christ. We are justified in the justified one: Jesus Christ. Just as Christ will always be justified, so also will those who are united to him also will always be justified. And to be justified before God means to be at peace with him.
3. This peace is for our enjoyment.
Justification and reconciliation are not ultimate. Justification and reconciliation are means to an end. The good news of being declared righteous before God and the good news of having peace with God is that we get God. The gospel is God! Justification and reconciliation would not be good news if it were not for the fact that the purpose and design in justification and reconciliation is to remove every barrier that hinders us from enjoying God for eternity. You cannot enjoy God if he is your enemy. You cannot enjoy God if you are not at peace with him. The aim of peace then is to bring us into an uninhibited delight of God!
Rejoice this Christmas that Christ has brought us peace. Soli deo gloria!
For Further Reading: The God Who Justifies, by James White
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