(Editor’s note: The following is a submission to The Recorder’s weekly column, “Faith Matters.” Each Saturday, a different faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com or call 413-772-0261, ext. 265.)
By PASTOR BRETT REITENBACH
Greenfield Baptist Church
At Christmastime, it is common to see or hear the phrase “peace on earth.” The desire for peace extends to other times of year, as well. When turmoil and division increase on a local, national or global level, calls for peace intensify.
It is possible to pursue and obtain peace on various levels. Sometimes, peace is achieved between nations or within warring factions of individual nations. At other times, on a local level, neighbors who have a conflict can make peace with each other. Getting even closer to home, peace is often needed and can be achieved between family members who are dealing with strife and unresolved conflicts.
Each of these levels of peace is admirable to pursue and beneficial to obtain. Though war between nations is sometimes inevitable because of greed and lust for power, it should only be waged for just purposes and exercised as justly as possible.
Peace between nations is a wonderful thing; but peace within a nation is even better, especially when it is rooted in the values of kindness, respect, liberty and the just rule of law, as opposed to peace that is forced by the actions of a dictator or heavy-handed government. Though hurts and offenses often arise among neighbors or acquaintances and especially within families, having peace with those closest to us makes a profound difference in individual lives, which results in our communities being better places to live.
Horizontal vs. vertical peace
The type of peace that many people desire, no matter on how large or small of a scale, is a horizontal peace. This is a peace that is between two or more parties on earth.
As important as horizontal peace is, a vertical type of peace can be obtained, which is peace between an individual and God.
The lack of peace between God and mankind is a result of sin, or breaking God’s law. The first man and woman were created in innocence and enjoyed perfect fellowship with God; but they fell from that wonderful condition because of their sin, and everyone since then has sinned, except for Jesus Christ.
God knew that we couldn’t measure up to His perfect standard on our own, so Jesus Christ (God in human flesh) came to earth to pay the death penalty for our sins. It is because of His sacrifice that any person can have peace with God. The key ingredient to having peace with God is personal faith that only Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection that followed are sufficient to obtain forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God.
The Bible says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The word “justified” is tremendous because when used this way, it means to be declared innocent by God or to be let off the hook from the penalty of sin. When an individual personally trusts in what Jesus Christ did to save them from their sin, they have the flawless righteousness of Jesus Christ applied to their life, which covers their sins. As a result, the holy God regards the debt created by their sin as paid in full.
One reason why peace on earth often seems so elusive is that many people have not made peace with God. The satisfaction that comes with having peace with God makes it much easier to do our part to live at peace with others. As this Christmas season and the year 2016 fade into history, remember that the baby in the manger came so that you could have peace with God.
Have you made peace with God? If so, let God’s peace fill your heart as you reflect on His sacrificial love for you. If not, discover the life-transforming peace with God that comes through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; and then along with having that peace with God, you can give others God’s message of peace on earth.
About Greenfield Baptist Church
Greenfield Baptist Church is an independent church that was founded in 2015 and meets at 138 Main St. in Greenfield. The weekly Sunday schedule includes a Bible study at 9:30 a.m. and worship services at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. A prayer meeting is held on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Everyone is also invited to a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. The church’s greatest priorities are to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, care about people, and provide practical teaching of the Bible that will encourage and strengthen lives and homes. For more information, please call 413-356-0150 or visit www.greenfieldbaptistchurch.net.