The Prince Of Peace: God’s Plan To Bring Peace To The World

The Prince of Peace: God’s Plan to Bring Peace to the World

December 8, 2024

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Crossway Christian Fellowship

Isaiah 9:1-6

1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:1–6)

As we continue our Advent journey, we reflect on the coming of Christ, who, as our Savior, is the Prince of Peace. His birth marked the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s peace plan, bringing reconciliation between man and God, and soon, the promise of eternal peace will be realized in His return. In a world torn by war, conflict, division, racism, and unrest, we long for that peace to be finalized—a peace that only Christ can bring.

Today, we look at Christ’s role as the Prince of Peace, and consider the peace He has already brought, as well as the peace that is yet to come. Notice that as with all prophecy fulfillment to come, it centers around the restoration of Israel.

I. Christ Brings Peace Between Man and God

Isaiah 9:6 tells us that the Messiah is the “Prince of Peace.” But what kind of peace did He bring? First and foremost, Jesus came to bring peace between man and God. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, humanity was separated from God. Since then, humanity has been at odds with the Creator, with a chasm of sin between us. The peace that Christ brought began with reconciling us to God.

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

Paul explains this in Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus made a way for us to be reconciled to God. The peace He offers could be considered greater than ending world conflicts and war; it is the peace of a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father.

and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:20)

It’s vital to understand that this peace is not based on human effort but on God’s grace. We did nothing to earn it, but God made peace with us through the blood of Christ.

Colossians 1:20 declares, “…and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has provided the peace we so desperately need.

John Newton was born in 1725, and for much of his early life, he lived in rebellion against God. He became involved in the transatlantic slave trade, working as a sailor and eventually a captain of a slave ship. His life was marked by violence, debauchery, and disregard for God. He openly rejected the Christian faith and lived in opposition to the moral and righteous ways of God.

In the midst of one of his voyages, Newton’s ship was caught in a violent storm. The storm was so severe that it seemed certain the ship would sink, and Newton, desperate and fearing for his life, called out to God for mercy. It was in that moment of crisis that God broke through into Newton’s hardened heart. He began to reflect on his life, realizing that he had been living as an enemy of God—actively rejecting His holiness and justice.

By God’s grace, Newton survived the storm, and this marked the beginning of his transformation. Over time, he gave his life to Christ, repenting of his sinful ways. He later became a pastor and wrote the now-famous hymn, “Amazing Grace,” which powerfully expresses his gratitude for the peace he found with God after a life of rebellion: