The term, peace, occurs 358 times in the KJV. In Hebrew, it is shawlowm. In Greek, it is eirene.
H.G. Wells, in 1914, coined the phrase, “the war to end all wars.” In 1938, Neville Chamberlain coined the phrase “Peace in Our Time.” History records the truth about both. Only time will tell what the present efforts for peace will bring.
What does peace look like? As with so many terms, there are multiple connotations depending on the context. In the present context in the Middle East, the release of all living hostages, for some, is what peace looks like. However, for the hostages, the sense of peace may never come as they deal with PTSD.
Looking back at the history of Israel during the pre-exilic periods before the Assyrian captivity of the 8th century BCE and the Babylonian captivity of the 7th and 6th centuries, each was preceded by a period of apparent peace and prosperity. However, these were marked by cultural decadence and rebellion against God. The prophets denounced this cultural corruption and warned of impending judgment. The outstanding and abiding principle of this sad history is that Genuine Peace Requires Peace with God. Repeatedly through the prophets, God offered this genuine peace. Finally, He sent His Son, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, but He too was rejected.
Peace is a constant theme throughout the New Testament. When the context is ‘peace on earth,’ every attempt at lasting peace has failed. Many skeptics already predict that the present attempts will fail to bring lasting peace because Genuine Peace Requires Peace with God.
The good news is that peace with God is achievable right now. Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, wrote concerning the resurrected Prince of Peace:
For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fulness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. (Col 1:19-20)
Regardless of how the present attempts at peace in the world turn out, Paul wrote concerning the future:
Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly. . . (1 Thess 5:1-6)
We are exhorted to pray for:
. . . all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Tim 2:2)
While the world seeks peace, God’s people need to be at peace with God (cf. Phil. 4:4-9), then at peace with all men (Rom 12:18-19), and finally ambassadors for peace (2 Cor 5:20-21). Genuine Lasting Peace Requires Peace with God.