Peace Like A River.

Let's start with Jesus promising peace.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

Notice the antithetical relationship between peace and fear. We also observe that this peace is with God and in Jesus'.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1)

Part of the reason that this peace is possible is because, through Jesus, we have been reconciled to the Father.

"For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Romans 8:6)

"Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may build up another." (Romans 14:19)

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

"God has called us to peace." (1 Corinthians 7:15b)

"For God is not the author of confusion but of peace," (1 Corinthians 14:33)

"Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)

"For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity." (Ephesians 2:14-16)

"And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father." (Ephesians 2:17-18)

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit," (Ephesians 4:1-4a)

Note how often the concept of peace is assoicated with unity, i.e. 'one spirit,' 'bond of peace,' 'reconcile them both,' (Editor's note: the two being Gentile and Jew.)

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" (Ephesians 6:14-15)

"Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 6:23)

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

"For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross." (Colossians 1:19-20)

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

"And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

In the above verse, also note that the 'whole' is in three, spirit, sould and body.

"Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22)

"Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:" (Hebrews 12:14)

"Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." (James 3:18)

"Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;" (2 Peter 3:14)