Find Real Peace

How to have Real Peace Today

World War I was supposed to be the war to end all wars. After 20 million people were killed between 1914 and 1918, many believed that the horrors of that global conflict would cause humankind to find a way to live in peace. Sadly, the years following World War I have proven to be some of the bloodiest in human history.

War has been a common practice ever since Cain killed his brother Abel after their father Adam willfully sinned against God. Adam and his wife Eve had lived at peace with God and each other until they defiantly rebelled against their Creator. The result of their disobedience was spiritual death; a condition they passed on to their children.

Cain’s murder of Abel was the physical sign of his spiritual state. In like manner, the lack of peace demonstrated throughout history is a symptom of the disease of sin that has stricken every person that has ever lived. Although war, violence, murder, rape, and abuse are all evidences of a world in rebellion against the Creator, any sin is an act of defiance against the holy character of God.

Until the problem of sin is addressed in the heart, human beings cannot have peace with God. Isaiah 57:20-21 tells us, “But the wicked are like the tossing sea, for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up refuse and mud. ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked.’ ”

Rather than dealing with the cause of their lack of peace, many have tried to cover up the problem by relying on a cheap substitute. Sex, drugs, alcohol, success, pleasure, and religion are a few of the things people use to gain a false sense of peace. But like the calm before the storm, the wrath of God is set to fall on all who are at enmity with Him. Real peace is only achieved when a person is in right relationship with God.

In Romans 5:1, the Apostle Paul told how peace with God is experienced. He said, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I want you to know that you can have real peace today.

The Prerequisites for Peace

God created us with the capability and necessity of having a relationship with Himself. When sin entered the human race through Adam’s disobedience, the result was separation from God. Real peace can only be experienced when that relationship is restored. The question is, “How can we, as sinful people, live at peace with Holy God who hates sin?” The answer is we must be justified and reconciled.

Justification

To be justified means to be made righteous. Remember, Romans 5:1 states, “Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Apostle Paul begins the book of Romans by establishing the fact that all people are sinners by nature and by choice. He also informs us that God’s holy judgment will be poured out upon all sinners. Once the problem of sin is identified, Paul eagerly tells how condemned sinners can be justified. In Romans 5:8-9, he states, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”

God sent His only Son to live without sin, die upon the cross, and rise from the dead so that sinners could be saved. Jesus became the substitute for sinners. He experienced the judgment of the Father against sin in order to place sinners in right standing before Him.

Reconciliation

Once a person is justified, he can then be reconciled. To be reconciled means to be brought into a right relationship with God. Paul tells us in Romans 5:10, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

When two warring countries begin peace talks, they each approach the negotiations with certain demands. We, on the other hand, have no room to bargain with God. We have no leverage. We have nothing to offer. We cannot meet His righteous expectations. The prerequisites for having peace with God are justification and reconciliation. Nothing less will do.

The Plan for Peace

God’s plan for sinners to have real peace is clearly presented in the Bible. He offers His grace, undeserved favor, through faith in Christ. We can experience God’s grace by following His plan for salvation.

1.   Acknowledge our sin – Before a person can be saved he must realize he is lost. Romans 3:10 tells us, “As it is written, ‘There is none righteous, not even one.’ ” We also read in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

2.   Believe in Jesus – God sent Jesus to be the savior of the world. John 3:16 informs us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We must believe that Jesus is the one and only Savior and that He will save us if we ask.

3.   Commit to Jesus – Turn from your sin and turn to Christ. Romans 10:9-10 tells us, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

For centuries, a white flag has been used to signal a person’s surrender. Some of you have been fighting against God for a long time. Don’t you think it’s time for you to surrender your life to Christ? If you want to have real peace today, won’t you pray the prayer for peace right now?

The Prayer for Peace

Having peace with God is only possible through faith in Christ. If you are willing to acknowledge your sin and turn from it, believe that Jesus can and will save you, and commit your life to Him, you shall be saved.

Below is a prayer that you may use to receive God’s gift of salvation. Remember, a prayer is of no value unless it is prayed from the heart. From your heart to God’s heart, ask Him to save you now.

Dear God, I confess that I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I now turn from my sin and turn to Jesus. I believe that Jesus is the sinless Son of God who died for me on the cross. He was raised from the dead that I might be saved. By faith, I trust Jesus to save me. Please forgive and cleanse me from all sin so that I might be at peace with you. I ask you to give me the strength to live for you each day. Thank you for saving me. Amen.

The Promise of Peace

Romans 10:13 gives us the assurance, “For whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” If you have sincerely placed your faith in Christ, I believe you are now at peace with God. Now you can enjoy the peace of God in your life.

If you prayed for Christ to save you, please share the good news with us. We want to rejoice with you and provide a free booklet that will help you grow as a Christian.

We also want to encourage you to regularly attend a Bible teaching church. If you need assistance in finding one in your area, we would be glad to help. You can email us at Real Peace Today.