The Way of Peace by G. D. Ballou

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 5, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 10.

The Way of Peace.

By G. D. Ballou

Not long since an individual who had been listening to sermons on the law of God said, “Before I went to those meetings I had peace, but now my peace is all gone and I don't enjoy life any more, and I don't want to hear another word about the Sabbath question.” We have met similar cases before. Professed Christians often come to a stand-still in their growth in spiritual knowledge. In this condition they may have a degree of peace, but it is not always that “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” which is the true believer's lot. By and by the test comes. New light dawns upon the mind, and with it come new crosses; then, if theirs is peace from God, there will be continued and increased “peace in believing and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

The thought of being able to render more perfect service to the Father in Heaven, and endure something more for Christ's sake, will arouse anew every energy of the being. Many will say, “Can I not be saved without keeping the Sabbath, or without being immersed, or without believing that the second advent is near?” The Scriptures give no warrant that any will receive final salvation except those who diligently walk in obedience to all the light that shines to them. Those who excuse themselves by such questions are evidently seeking an easier way than the way of the cross. They evidently want a cheap salvation.

The question really seems to be, “How little can I do to show my fealty to Heaven, and finally squeeze through into the kingdom?” There is nothing noble about such a course of action toward One to whom we owe our all, both here and hereafter. The question should be, How much can I do for God and Christ and humanity? All the saints will have an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom because they have gained the favor of Heaven through willing, whole-hearted service. We are to love God with all the heart, soul, might, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves.

When I see people turn away from plain truth, which makes duty very clear, at the risk of losing all their peace of mind here, and eternal life in the future, I can account for it only on the strength of the great truth stated in Rom. 8:7: “The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”

There are two ways to peace for those who are resisting their convictions of duty. The first is by stifling the voice of conscience until the Spirit of God withdraws, and we are left with a feeling of self-complacent ease and self-satisfaction. This is one way and one kind of peace, but it is not the “peace of God which passeth understanding.” It is Satan's substitute, or counterfeit, and he who comes in possession of it, and retains it, does so at infinite cost. There is no doubt about a person being able to so stultify and deaden his moral judgment that he may be at ease while pursuing a course of sin. But what a loss such will suffer! These self-deceived souls will cry at last, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” But Jesus will say unto them, “I never knew you, depart from me ye that work iniquity.” Matt. 7:22, 23.

Another way of peace is set forth in the following Scriptures. Ps. 119:165: “Great peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them.” Isa. 48:18: “O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.”

If those who are seeking for peace, while living in open violation of the plain commands of God, would only surrender to God, and cease praying to be excused from some duty because its performance involves the bearing of a heavy cross, they would soon have that perfect peace which none can possess only those whose minds are stayed on God. Isa. 26:3.

To the soul whose moral sensibilities are not yet fully blunted and dulled by open transgressions, the violation of the law of God can bring only unrest, sorrow, and condemnation. On the other hand, obedience, in harmony with the example of Jesus, will bring that peace and joy which the world cannot know, because it is ministered by angels from the presence of Him at whose right hand is fullness of joy and pleasures evermore.

The pathway of thorns, the way of the cross, though it may be unpleasant to the carnal nature, will prove in the end to be the way of peace. Jesus trod the way of self-denial, and only in following him will his children find permanent joy and lasting peace. Reader, may the peace of God that passeth all understanding, keep your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Phil. 4:4-9. G. D. BALLOU.