September 12, 2004

THE MESSENGER OF PEACE

"This is the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all" (Acts 10:36, NIV).

Standing out in beauty, as in an art gallery, are many "peace" portraits of Jesus. He is viewed as the Prince of Peace," the "Peace Giver," the "Peace Maker," "Our Peace," and the "Messenger of Peace."

Jesus came as the "Messenger of Peace." He preached peace between God and all peoples without distinction (see Matthew 8:11; John 12:32). The doctrine of peace through Jesus Christ was eloquently proclaimed by Jesus Himself, then transmitted to the apostles and the church for global proclamation (see Colossians 3:11; Romans 3:29). This peace is an essential component of the good news of salvation. It is primarily peace between God and man. There can be no peace among men until man is at peace with God. True peace is available exclusively through the atonement of Christ on the cross. Only as the benefits of the atonement are received through Christ by faith does peace become a reality (see Romans 3:24-26; 5:1).

The peace Christ came to proclaim is of divine origin and is available to all who exercise faith in His atoning sacrifice (see Ephesians 2:14; 6:15). Here is the exclusive formula for acquiring real peace: "The Messenger of Peace is Jesus Christ; the basis of peace is His atoning work; the terms of peace are faith; the blessing of peace is the remission of sins; the fruit of peace is holiness."--SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 254. The Messenger of Peace "was always patient and cheerful, and the afflicted hailed Him as a messenger of life and peace. He saw the needs of men and women, children and youth, and to all He gave the invitation, 'Come unto me.' "--Gospel Workers, (1915 ed.), p. 43.

My Prayer Today: Lord, You have come to this strife-ridden world, as the "Messenger of Peace." Through Your atonement, I claim that peace. Amen.