Where to Find Peace on Earth in the Bible

The phrase "peace on earth" is most famously used in the Gospel of Luke during the announcement of Christ’s birth, as well as in Matthew during Jesus’ teaching on the nature of His mission. 🕊️

Welcome to this Bible study! It is a joy to explore the wonderful theme of peace as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. While the message of the Gospel is one of ultimate harmony and reconciliation, the Bible uses the phrase "peace on earth" to describe both the divine purpose of Christ's advent and the earthly reality of the struggle between truth and error.

The Heavenly Proclamation of Peace

The most beautiful and well-known use of this phrase occurred on the plains of Bethlehem. When the Saviour was born, a single angel was joined by a vast heavenly host to celebrate the event.

• ** Luke 2:13-14**: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

This anthem declared the very heart of Christianity. Christ came as the Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6 to reconcile a fallen world to God. Through His incarnation and sacrifice, He established a system that, when received and obeyed, spreads harmony and happiness throughout the earth Ephesians 2:14-17.

The "Sword" of Truth

Interestingly, our Lord Jesus also used this phrase when explaining that the reception of the Gospel would often result in division because of the world's rebellion against righteousness.

• ** Matthew 10:34**: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."

• ** Luke 12:51**: "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division."

These verses do not contradict the angel's song. While the Gospel is inherently a message of peace, it acts as a "sword" because the purity of Christ’s teachings condemns sin, leading those who love darkness to oppose and persecute those who follow the light John 16:33.

The Promise of Future, Universal Peace

The Bible also points us toward a time when the "peace on earth" announced by the angels will be realized in its fullness throughout the entire creation.

• ** Psalm 72:7**: "In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth."

• ** Isaiah 11:6-9**: This passage describes a renewed earth where even the animal kingdom is at rest, and "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

• ** Revelation 19:6**: At His second coming, the song started in Bethlehem will be reechoed by a great multitude saying, "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."

How to Experience This Peace Today

Even in a world of strife, you can have the "peace on earth" that Christ promised in your own heart right now.

• ** John 14:27**: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

• ** Colossians 3:15**: "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be you thankful."

By dwelling upon the goodness of God and the great love evidenced in the work of redemption, your mind can be at rest, like a tired child in the arms of its mother Psalm 89:14. May the Lord bless you as you seek His peace! ✨