Peace That Prevails
By Capazin Thornton
Recently I prayed with a lady who has been dealing with all kinds of crazy for a long time. Later, I was reminded how important peace is to one’s spiritual stability. Certainly one cannot have clarity, focus, and victory without peace prevailing in the inner man.
Spiritual peace defined
The Hebrew word for peace (shalom) also means health, security, tranquility, welfare, success, prosperity, wholeness, and comfort. The Greek word (eirēnē, i-ray’-nay) is from eirō, to join. Only when we are joined with God through Christ can we have peace with God and the multifaceted peace of God.
Peace with God
Christ made peace with God for us through the blood of His cross. God forgave us, blotted out our sins as though they never happened, and declared us righteous because of Christ’s finished work on the cross.
Having been justified (declared righteous) by faith in Christ, we now have peace with God and the supernatural peace of God. (Eph 1:2; Col. 1:2; Heb 9:12; Rom 5:1)
Effect of righteousness
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever!—Isa 32:17
The kingdom of God
The moment we accepted Christ, the Holy Spirit recreated our spirit. The Holy Spirit then took up residence within our recreated spirit. The kingdom of God— righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit—is within our spirit. (Tit 3:5; Rom 14:17)
Spiritual armor
God commands us to put on all the spiritual armor He has provided to protect our inner man so that we can stand strong and victorious against the mind games of the devil. (Eph 6:11, 14-18)
The armor listed is analogous to the first century Roman legionnaire. The boots or sandals worn by Roman soldiers were sometimes made of iron or brass, with cleats on the bottom. Designed to withstand weight and provide firm footing no matter the terrain, weather, or distance.
The good news that we have eternal peace with God is the firm-footed foundation on which we can stand no matter the intensity or duration of pressure against us. (Eph 6:15)
Be led forth by spiritual fruit
The Holy Spirit is in us to lead us. One of the ways the Spirit will lead us is through spiritual fruit in our inner man—namely, joy and peace. “For you shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace . . . ” (Isa 55:12)
Let the peace of God rule
The supernatural peace of God in your spirit will overrule confusion, conflict, and indecision in your mind. Let the peace of God direct, control and rule your heart. (Col. 3:15)
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Are you letting peace rule in your life? Feel free to post your comments.
Capazin Thornton is a Christian speaker, Bible teacher, and author in Orange County, California.
