When Jesus was born, there was angelic praise: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14)!
Seven-hundred years before Christ was born, it was prophesied that He would be called “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Paul said that Christ “Himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:14). Even a superficial glance at Scripture associates the name of Jesus with peace. Yet, Christ Himself said, “Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division” (Luke 12:51). Even more striking is Matthew’s record of Jesus’ similar statement, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (10:34).
How can He be the author of peace and a source of division at the same time? There are those people who oppose all religions, including Christianity, as ideological causes of violence. Could it be true? Please consider these thoughts.
Christ Brings Peace with God
Those who follow Christ faithfully can have the peace that they have overcome their sins. Nothing pounds a man’s soul more than the knowledge of doing wrong. Though many do not admit this even for years, the guilt creates problems. Societies from the beginning of time have sought some kind of God for some kind of redemption. Moral systems have been turned upside down and evil called good, and good evil, but men have still sought some kind of forgiveness. Micah pictured guilty men wondering how many animals they should offer for their sins, and even asking if they should give their firstborn children (a thought heinous to God) (6:6-8).
Christ, though, brought freedom from every ungodly, pagan system. He brought freedom from even the tutorial (Galatians 3:24-25) Mosaic Law’s sacrifices. He offered Himself “once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). Those obedient to Him experience salvation (Hebrews 5:9). Understanding that faith is inclusive of obedience, Paul’s statement in Romans 5:1 is most consoling. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” Those Christians who give their anxieties to God, then, experience the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
Christ Brings Peace between Groups of Men
Jew and Gentile (and by extension—all races and classes of people) are brought together in the church of Christ (Ephesians 2:14-17). They are all “one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Indeed, the Gospel was designed so that men from every national, racial, and socioeconomic background could come together to be united in the kingdom of God. Americans, Russians, Iraqis and Chinese are brethren in God’s family (Mark 3:31-35; Hebrews 2:11-12). Where the church is functioning as it should, such barriers as race, wealth and nationality are overcome by the precious blood of Christ.
The Disobedience of Men Spurs Division
Indeed, Christ brings division in families when some obey and others do not obey the Gospel. Five in one house would be divided, He taught (Luke 12:52-53). Christians bring persecution upon themselves simply by living righteously (1 Peter 3:13-17; 4:12-16). What is persecution except a sharp division between people of the human race? Early Christians were falsely labeled as haters of mankind because they would not approve of the immorality of a corrupt, idolatrous society. That charge seems to be making a comeback.
Rest assured, Christ never, ever authorized attacks or any use of violence by Christians individually or by the church collectively. He desperately wants peace, and He commanded His people to submissively pursue it, as much as depends on them (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14).
Christ’s Principles Bring More Peace
Even among those who might not be New Testament Christians, inasmuch as Christ’s principles are practiced, there is more peace. He taught a selfless, giving, sacrificial love, even towards one’s enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). He taught men to treat others as they want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). Those two principles alone bring peace—peace that oppressed, humble people so desperately crave.
