My Dad made an intriguing comment a couple of months ago. He said “for there to be peace, there must be violence”.
Not long after that I heard someone say that the Bible is a violent book. That is true, lots of people killing people.
Then we come to Christmas, peace on earth.
I am having a difficult time reconciling this. How can I figure this out? Go to the Bible.
Violence in the Bible
Let’s just look at a 33 year span of the Bible, Jesus’ life on earth. When He was born, King Herod ordered that all boys 2 and under be killed.
There were several times, during Jesus’ ministry, where Jesus evaded harm.
Now to the cross. The events that led to Christ’s crucifixion are, in a word, brutal. But remember what Hebrews 9:22 says “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness”. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice to bring forgiveness once for all who believe in Him.
Peace On Earth
Luke 2, the Christmas story. Like 2:14 says “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests”.
This is not an “everyone invited” peace. It’s only for those whom God has favor. He has favor on those who have believed on Jesus as their Lord and Savior. No one can have true peace, the kind that surpasses all understanding, unless Jesus Christ is Lord of your life.
Peace, A Result Of Violence
Through all the horrific violence that day of crucifixion we, the believers, have access to this amazing peace through the Holy Spirit. This peace is a peace that is way beyond any understanding.
Not long after that I heard someone say that the Bible is a violent book. That is true, lots of people killing people.
Then we come to Christmas, peace on earth.
I am having a difficult time reconciling this. How can I figure this out? Go to the Bible.
Violence in the Bible
Let’s just look at a 33 year span of the Bible, Jesus’ life on earth. When He was born, King Herod ordered that all boys 2 and under be killed.
There were several times, during Jesus’ ministry, where Jesus evaded harm.
Now to the cross. The events that led to Christ’s crucifixion are, in a word, brutal. But remember what Hebrews 9:22 says “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness”. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice to bring forgiveness once for all who believe in Him.
Peace On Earth
Luke 2, the Christmas story. Like 2:14 says “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests”.
This is not an “everyone invited” peace. It’s only for those whom God has favor. He has favor on those who have believed on Jesus as their Lord and Savior. No one can have true peace, the kind that surpasses all understanding, unless Jesus Christ is Lord of your life.
Peace, A Result Of Violence
Through all the horrific violence that day of crucifixion we, the believers, have access to this amazing peace through the Holy Spirit. This peace is a peace that is way beyond any understanding.