“For he [Christ] is our peace . . . “ (Ephesians 2:14 HCSB). “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). 

Jesus endured terrible suffering on the cross for us. He faced unspeakable agony as God’s wrath toward sin was poured out on him so that we would not have to endure God’s wrath, so that our sins could be forgiven. The Son of God faced death so that we could have life. But Christ rose from the dead and we rejoice that He had the final victory over sin and death. We rejoice that His victory allows us to have victory. He conquered sin and death so that we can conquer sin and death. His resurrection provides for our new life that lasts forever. His death for the sin of the whole world (1 John 2:2) makes possible our relationship with God that will last forever, a relationship we receive when we place our trust in Jesus alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Through his misery he brought us mercy. Christ faced suffering and death to bring us peace. Ephesians 2:14 states, “he himself is our peace.” He is our peace because without Christ, we were enemies with God. Without Christ, we were not just friends who had an argument or a Father and child who didn’t see eye to eye. We were not even unfriendly acquaintances. We were mortal enemies. Without Christ, we were warring and hostile toward God because of our sin. 

Sin so completely separates us from God that the only hope of having peace with God is for God to do something about it. We can’t do anything about it because the only thing that will remove the barrier of hostility between us and God is the death of a perfect man as the payment for our sins. That is why Jesus, God’s Son, became a man so that he could die for us to pay for our sins. But because he was God’s Son, he could also conquer death. By rising back to life he conquered death and sin for us. Because of Christ, mortal enemies can become friends. We who were completely alienated from God can become his children. We have peace with God through faith in Jesus, accepting Him as our Savior and putting our trust in Him alone.

Because Christ is our peace, each of us who trusts in Jesus should seek peace with others. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace” (Colossians 3:15). Christ gave us peace with God. He also calls for us to have peace with those around us, especially other believers (see Ephesians 2:14-22). A Christ-like Life should be characterized by peace. Seek to develop peace between yourself and others. Sometimes Christians can get angry with each other or do hurtful things to one another. Christ calls us to seek to restore our relationships with each other. Because Christ is our peace, our lives should shine with the peace we have with God and the peace we have with other believers. Is the peace of Christ ruling in your heart? Who do you need to make peace with today? 

Digging Deeper
Ephesians 2:14-22 – Christ is our peace