PEACE – PART OF THE SALVATION PACKAGE

The salvation package includes peace as a key component. Peace is more than just the absence of chaos; it is a profound presence that envelops the spirit and a calm that is beyond our comprehension on Earth. It is an unfathomable treasure that a loving Creator has given to us, a gift woven into the very fabric of salvation. 

Jesus says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you," to His followers in John 14:27 and to us down the millennia. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." These words reverberate with a promise that extends beyond the temporal boundaries of our earthly life, vibrating through the passages of time. It is a calm that transcends the transient comforts of this life, a calm based on the firm foundation of God's love. 

Romans 14:17 serves as a reminder that the kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit rather than by geographical borders or worldly prosperity. Here, in the midst of human striving and materialistic goals, we discover the real meaning of serenity—a peace that springs directly from God's heart. Our spirits are anchored in the unwavering truth of His word, a serenity that transcends the transient pleasures of this life. 

A divine blessing is bestowed upon us in Philippians 4:7, where it is said that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Overlooking the fortress of our hearts, this serenity, this heavenly guardian, repels the attacks of uncertainty and fear. It is a tranquility that defies understanding and transcends the weak confines of human reason. It is a calm that guards our souls during the most violent storms of life and leads us safely to the shores of eternal rest. 

In fact, the Bible is filled with many examples of how God's peace can impact lives. The apostle Paul writes, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want," from a prison cell under persecution and tribulation. Through him who gives me strength, I am able to accomplish all of things (Philippians 4:12-13). Here, in the furnace of misfortune, Paul finds a calm that surpasses his circumstances—a calm that keeps him going through the hardest challenges and the darkest evenings.

Similar to this, Jesus is seen dozing off in the boat during a violent storm in the Gospel of Matthew, while His followers are overcome with anxiety. However, Jesus calms the winds and seas with a single word, and a deep stillness descends (Matthew 8:23-27). We see the deep calm of the Son of God right now; a calm that emanates from His own essence and compelling even the elements to submit to Him. 

It is our anchor in the storm and our haven in the tempest, so let us, my dear brothers and sisters, hold on to this priceless gift of peace. Instead of letting the turmoil of this world derail us, let us focus on the author and perfecter of our faith, who assures us that when we put our confidence in Him, we will live in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). May your hearts and minds be shielded by the unfathomable peace of God in Christ Jesus, both now and forever. Amen.