The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ Himself is the source and essence of peace for those who put their faith in Him. Ephesians 2:14 says that “He Himself is our peace.” This profound truth has incredible meaning for the lives of believers.
1. Jesus makes peace between God and man
First and foremost, Jesus makes peace between God and sinful humanity. Our sin separates us from a holy God (Isaiah 59:2). We are estranged from our Creator and stand guilty before Him. But Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, so that we could be forgiven and reconciled with God (Colossians 1:19-22). When we trust in Christ, we are no longer enemies of God but beloved children welcomed into His family. Jesus Himself bridged the relational chasm between the Father and us through His atoning sacrifice, granting us peace with God (Romans 5:1).
2. Jesus brings an end to hostility between groups
The context of Ephesians 2 makes it clear that Jesus also brings an end to division and hostility between groups of people. In the early church, Jews and Gentiles had animosity toward one another. But Paul explains that through His death, Jesus “has made the two groups one” and “has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” between them (Ephesians 2:14). When people are reconciled to God through Christ, they also become reconciled to one another across previous lines of ethnic, social, and gender division. Jesus Himself creates “one new humanity out of the two” (Ephesians 2:15). The peace of Christ eliminates tribalism, racism, and factionalism within the body of Christ.
3. Jesus gives inner peace and rest
Not only does Jesus bring external peace between man and God or between groups, He also gives believers an internal peace and rest for their souls. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27). This inner peace is associated with the indwelling Holy Spirit, who comforts and encourages believers in Jesus (John 14:16-18, 26-27). It is a “peace of God, which transcends all understanding” and guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). The assurance of salvation and eternal life imparts confidence, security, and tranquility even amidst trials. Jesus Himself calms our fears and gives peace that passes understanding.
4. Jesus will establish global peace in His coming Kingdom
The peace that Jesus grants is not limited to personal relationships but touches all arenas of life. Currently, the world is full of strife, conflict, and war. But the Bible prophesies that when Jesus returns to establish His Kingdom on earth, He will rule it with justice and perfect peace (Isaiah 2:4). There will be no more violence, oppression, or disunity across nations. Nature will be at peace as well, with no more ferocious animals (Isaiah 11:6-9). Jesus Himself is called the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) who will bring comprehensive peace to the earth in the age to come.
5. Jesus lives to intercede for believers
An important way Jesus gives us continual peace is by interceding for us in Heaven at the Father’s right hand. He lives forever to make intercession for His people (Hebrews 7:25). The Son of God, who is sympathetic to our weaknesses, prays for us and applies the benefits of His finished work on our behalf. This includes petitioning the Father to grant us mercy, grace, and preservation through struggles. Knowing that Jesus Himself is praying for me gives me assurance of providential care and peace amid difficulties.
6. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit as Helper and Guide
Jesus also imparts peace by sending the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower believers. He reassured His disciples that He would ask the Father to send “another Helper” to be with them forever (John 14:16). The Spirit guides us into truth, reminds us of Christ’s teachings, convicts us of sin, comforts us in suffering, intercedes for us in prayer, and produces spiritual fruit in our lives (John 14:17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15; Romans 8:26; Galatians 5:22-23). The abiding presence of the Holy Spirit gives peace as we follow His righteous promptings.
7. Jesus instructs believers on how to live in peace
The teachings of Jesus provide wisdom and guidance on how to pursue peace in relationships and difficult circumstances. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructed believers to be peacemakers who sow peace in the world around them (Matthew 5:9). Jesus taught principles of mercy, forgiveness, honesty, humility, and patience that prevent and resolve conflicts if applied. He rebuked His disciples when they wanted to call down judgment and vengeance on others (Luke 9:55). When Jesus dwells in our hearts, it transforms our attitudes and willingess to show grace and make peace with others.
8. Jesus gives assurance of eternal life after death
Finally, Jesus grants peace by giving the sure hope of eternal life to those who trust in Him. He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). The fear of death and the unknown is erased for Christians. Jesus conquered the grave so that we can have confidence that physical death leads straight into His glorious presence (Philippians 1:21-23). The hope of resurrection to eternal life with Christ imparts profound peace and courage in old age or terminal illness.
In summary, the peace that Jesus Himself gives is multifaceted. He reconciles us to God, unifies divided peoples, calms our hearts with inner tranquility, will establish global peace from His throne, prays constantly for our protection, sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, taught principles that foster peace, and promises resurrection and eternal life to all who believe. Jesus is the embodiment of peace, the giver of peace, and the sustainer of our peace.
