Peace on Earth

After Christ’s birth we read in Luke 2:8-14 -

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Have you ever wondered why the angel of the Lord proclaimed peace on earth when Christ’s birth was announced? There has been no lasting peace on the earth. In fact, around two years after Christ’s birth Herod issued the order to have all the children in Bethlehem and in all the coasts thereof from two years old and under killed. And there has been no lasting upon the earth over the nearly 2,000 years since. So why say, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace”?

The answer is only Christ can bring peace with God to mankind upon this earth. Religions require people to work their way to an eternal reward; whether it be through sacrifice, good works, baptism, or church membership. There’s no everlasting peace in that because one cannot know for sure of their eternal destiny until after death. They can only hope they were good enough in this life and that in the afterlife they will have earned a better place.

True Christianity, on the other hand, is God coming down to mankind. God knew that no amount of our good works could ever attain to His holiness and righteousness. So, in His mercy and grace He robed Himself in flesh and became a man in order to live a sinless life and fulfill the law and become our perfect sacrifice. He did what we could not do, and He took our place on the cross. And now, whosoever will call upon the Lord alone for salvation can be saved, and His precious blood can wash away every sin!

That’s where peace upon earth is found. Peace is having a relationship with God Himself through the Lord Jesus Christ. When one trusts in Christ alone there is no longer any doubt about what will happen after this physical body dies – we will be with the Lord!

What a comfort to know that my eternal destination is not up to me, but my ransom was paid in full in Christ. All I have to do is trust in Him alone. Therein lies the peace that passes all understanding.

Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”

Merry Christmas Liberty Baptist Tabernacle family! It is a privilege to be your Pastor. May God bless you this Christmas season as you remember the peace we have with God in Christ.