Christ is Our Peace

James Smith, 1842

"He is our peace." Ephesians 2:14

It is a matter of infinite consequence . . .
to be at peace with God, and to walk with Him in a state of reconciliation;
to know that there is nothing in the divine mind against us — but that all condemnation is removed from us;
to see God in Christ smiling upon us, and to know that He orders all His dispensations in reference to us for our good.

Nothing on earth can exceed the blessedness of such a happy believer; he . . .
is at peace with God,
has peace in His own conscience,
and shall enjoy peace forever.

He sees that His peace was planned in the everlasting covenant, between the Glorious Three; in consequence of which it is now called "A covenant of peace." Isaiah 54:10. He knows that peace was predicted and promised, because the God-man stood engaged to make it; and that, at the incarnation of Immanuel, the angels sang, "Peace on earth, good will toward men." He believes that the labors of the Redeemer's life, and the agonies of His death — were to make peace on honorable terms, and to base it on an immutable foundation. He hears the gospel as the good news of peace and reconciliation, and rejoices that Jesus now, by His gospel, preaches peace to them who were afar off, and to those who were near. He experiences the operations of the Holy Spirit in His heart, leading him to . . .
the blood of atonement,
the testimony of God, and
the throne of grace for peace.

He realizes the blessedness of receiving peace from Jesus as a gift, and finding it surround his soul as a sacred guard to keep him, Philippians 4:7. He looks for peace in Jesus and from Jesus; not from his duties, experience, or labors; and triumphs in this, "He is our peace."

And now, children of my God, let me exhort you, at all times — to look to Jesus as your peace. He has made peace by the blood of His cross; and every poor believer, however tried, tempted, troubled, or perplexed — is at peace with God, through Him; though all do not enjoy it.

Should sickness seize your frame, and lay you on a bed of languishing — then look to Jesus as your peace.

Should Satan beset you with his soul-distressing temptations and fiery darts — still view Jesus as your peace.

Should you be left to pace the barren wilderness of desertion, where only briars and thorns appear to grow — still hold this fast, Jesus is my peace.

Should persecution light its fires or brandish its weapons of war — still Jesus is your peace.

Should trials in the family, the business, or the church of God, press you down — yet remember Jesus is your peace.

Oh, never forget this soul-supporting, heart-cheering truth, "This man shall be the peace!" Micah 5:5. And when death shall come to visit you at the command of Jesus, (and remember it is at the command of your loving, tender, compassionate Jesus, that he does come,) still look to this, "He is my peace;" not my attainments, not my comfort, not my duties — but Jesus is my peace. He made it, secured it, revealed it, bestowed it, confirms it, and gives it — and He shall be glorified for it. Nothing can possibly destroy it, unless it can . . .
undo His work,
revoke His promise,
and change His changeless mind.

Consider, believer, if you are at peace with God — you have no real cause to fear; nothing shall by any means hurt you. God being at peace with you, angels attend upon you, and all the dispensations of Divine providence, and the designs of Satan — are made to subserve this glorious purpose of our God. "All things work together for your good!" Rejoice then in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! Rejoice in Christ Jesus, having no confidence in the flesh. You shall enter into peace, you shall rest in your beds, each one walking in His uprightness. Isaiah 57:2. Look, look then, for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Jesus, whose blood so freely streamed,
To satisfy the law's demand;
By You from guilt and wrath redeemed,
Before the Father's face I stand.

No drop remains of all the curse,
For wretches who deserved the whole;
No arrows dipped in wrath, to pierce
The guilty — but returning soul.

Peace by such means so dearly bought,
What rebel could have hoped to see
Peace by His injured Sovereign wrought,
His Sovereign fastened to the tree!

Let foes in horrid league agree!
They may assault, they may distress;
But cannot quench Your love to me,
Nor rob me of the Lord, My Peace.