PEACE-SAFETY-SUDDEN DESTRUCTION
Pastor J. C. O’Hair
Many Christians have been puzzled as to just what the Lord’s messengers meant when they delivered the Lord’s message to the shepherds 1900 years ago, “Glory to God in the highest, and ON EARTH PEACE, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14).
This is so entirely contrary to the words of the Lord Jesus Christ about 33 years later: “Suppose ye that I am come to give PEACE ON EARTH? I tell you, NAY; but rather DIVISION.” (Luke 12:51).
“Peace on earth” and “no peace on earth” are contradictory statements. DIVISION is not PEACE. Did that heavenly messenger give out a false message like the false prophets of Jeremiah 6:14, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace?”
And then some years after Christ went back to heaven He led Paul to warn Christians not to be deceived when certain messengers cry “peace and safety,” for there would be destruction instead of peace. (I Thessalonians 5:1 to 5). And in Revelation 6:1 to 6, we learn positively that before Christ comes to establish PEACE ON EARTH something will happen. “And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon TO TAKE PEACE FROM THE EARTH, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.” (Revelation 6:4).
Now let us note this outline and God’s “PEACE” program:
1 - PEACE on earth with Christ on David’s throne. 2 - PEACE made on the cross. 3 - PEACE with God through Christ. 4 - The PEACE of God that passeth all understanding.
We have recently emerged from the most cruel, brutal war of all ages. We are all sick and tired of war. We want peace on earth. But Christ is the center of every “PEACE” program of God. The statesmen and politicians insist that we will have to compromise, sacrifice, be tolerant and diplomatic and gracious, with a new international spirit, if we are to maintain the peace which we are now trying to win. Even then they are more skeptical than hopeful. Paul wrote to some faithful Christians, “Christ is our PEACE.” (Ephesians 2:14).
It was at the time Gabriel announced that the purpose of Christ’s birth was to take David’s throne and reign over the house of Israel, that the heavenly messenger announced “PEACE ON EARTH.” (Luke 1:30 to 33 - Luke 2:14 - Luke 1:67 to 77). Christ’s own nation did not know the things that belonged to their PEACE. (Luke 19:42). They knew not the time of their visitation. (Luke 19:44). They said concerning Christ, “we will not have this man to reign over us.” (Luke 19:14). They chose to release Barabbas, the notable criminal, and kill the Prince of life. (Acts 3:12 to 15). They cried, “we have no king but Caesar,” “let the blood of this man (Jesus), Who claims to be the King, be upon us. (Matthew 27:21 to 25 - John 19:15). It is still there.
Christ did not go to David’s throne: but He will. (Acts 15:15 to 18 - Isaiah 9:6 and 7 - Ezekiel 37:24 to 28). So Christ said, instead of universal peace, there will be division, tribulation, wars, famine. Peace for believers only. (Luke 12:49 to 52 - John 16:33 - John 14:27 - Luke 21:24 to 33).
Instead of going to David’s throne to take over the government, Christ went to Calvary. He made PEACE through the blood of His cross. (Colossians 1:20). PEACE on earth was postponed. There is now no world-wide peace on earth for lost sinners, Their future is not peace but wrath and misery. Eternal perdition awaits all who refuse to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive Him as Saviour. Quite often in the cemetery on the stone over the sinner’s grave, the word “PEACE” is carved.
Note how “PEACE WITH GOD” comes: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have ‘PEACE WITH GOD’ through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1). There is no other way to be at peace with God. But this is the sure guarantee of peace. Then the PEACE OF GOD, (Philippians 4:7).
Note carefully I Thessalonians 5:1 to 4.
Posted By – Cecil Spivey
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