I. Introduction
Christ is "the Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6), and it is His mission to restore to earth and heaven the peace that sin has broken (see Rom. 5:1). Whoever consents to renounce sin and open his heart to the love of Christ, becomes a partaker of this heavenly peace. - E. G. White, God's Amazing Grace, p. 320.
The Prince of Peace had come to engage in the most severe conflict that ever was waged upon the earth, so that he might bring light, and truth, and peace to the sons of men. He was to overcome the apostate who had usurped authority over this world and its inhabitants; and the heavenly universe was to engage with Christ in this conflict.- E. G. White YI -DT- 08- 05-97 -AT- Christ's Mission to Earth, part I, p. 4. As we look at the prophetic Messianic titles of the Babe who was born and placed in a manger, we see that each title was prophetic of the ministry which He was to render.
Each of His names contains a divine promise. In the title "Prince of Peace" we see the highest title of all. He is to be the answer to the heart's deepest need.
The magnitude of His task is revealed in this title. He is to make it possible for man to be at peace with God and to live in peace with each other. Sin has created a woeful need for a divine Prince who can restore the primitive peace.
II. The Heart of Man Hungers for Peace
A. The desire for peace is universal among men.
B. Why have we failed to achieve peace?
1. We have achieved the highest standard of living the world has ever known.
2. Due to miracles from the research laboratories our longevity continues to increase.
3. Prosperity prevails, but there is an absence of peace.
4. Substitutes for the Prince of Peace have been accepted. Nations are not encouraged to depend upon God for peace. We place our faith in the military strength, in nuclear weapons, and radar. Individuals have accepted substitutes for the Prince of Peace. They look to education, wealth, friends, and health for peace. All of these disappear and turmoil prevails in the heart.
III. Peace is the Gift of God
A. The priests of the Old Testament were instructed to bless the people with a benediction of peace: (see Numbers 6:24-26).
B. The psalmist recognized peace as one of the blessings of God (see Psalm 29:11).
C. The prophet Isaiah perceived that true peace comes from a right adjustment of life to the will of God (see Isaiah 26:3, 4).
D. Paul, the apostle, believed that the Heavenly Father is the giver of peace.
1. See Philippians 4:6, 7.
2. For the Thessalonians he prayed (see II Thessalonians 3:16).
3. "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace . . ." (I Corinthians 14:33).
E. Apart from God there is no peace.
1. See Isaiah 48:22.
2. When Israel rebelled during the days of Jeremiah and the peace of God departed, we hear one of the people saying, without God, man is out of step with eternity, and He does not come to grips with the ultimate values of life (see Jeremiah 14:19b).
IV. Jesus Christ is the only Source of Real Peace
A. The Prince of Peace is peaceful in His disposition.
1. He bears long with His enemies.
2. He endures much at the hands of His friends.
3. He is always accessible and available.
4. He is always ready to forgive.
B. Peace is the disposition for which the Saviour was renowned.
C. Peace is the blessing He died to purchase (Romans 5:1).
D. Peace is the blessing He lives to bestow (John 20:21).
1. In Christ we cease to war among ourselves.
2. Christ delivers the sinner from his follies, his passions, and the evil which destroys.
E. Christ possesses peace, bestows peace, exercises peace, and delights in peace.
V. The Peace which Christ Offers
Most people are eager to have the peace that can be understood. This kind of peace is based upon money in the pocketbook, a secure position in the family and business, and a healthy body. The peace which Jesus gives is not that which can be won on the battlefield nor purchased with money, or that can be secured through medicine. The peace which He provides is not that of the conquering sword but of a prevailing spirit.
A. His peace is not the peace of stagnation or inactivity. He does not provide us with a spiritual narcotic to keep us from facing reality. Neither is His peace the peace of freedom from inward temptation or outward suffering.
B. The Prince of Peace brings peace from God and gives one peace with God.
1. His peace is the peace of surrender to the rule of love.
2. His peace is the peace of fellowship with God the Heavenly Father.
3. His peace is the peace of self-control through spiritual power and divine energy.
4. His peace is the peace of assurance that our sins have been forgiven.
5. With His presence, it is possible for you to walk with poise in the midst of storms and calamity.
VI. Conclusion
If Jesus would bring to us the peace of God, we must crown Him as the King of our empire and make Him the Lord of our life. If we let His will become our will, we will discover ourselves in harmony with God and the laws of the universe. Life will be lived without the evil effects of destructive tension.
Quotation
"Our trouble is we want the peace without the Prince". Christianity Today, Vol. 38, no. 14.
Josiel Unglaub writes from Sta Catarina, Brazil
