The title of this article is “have you peace?” We have heard of it. We have read of it. We know there is such a thing. We know where it is to be found, but do you possess it yourself? Is it yet your own? Today I am going to give some warnings to everyone who does not have peace with God and some exhortations to those who have it.

First, no amount of warning is enough to those who do not have peace with God. If you do not have peace, then:

(1) You are in danger. You and God are not friends. The wrath of God abides on you. God is angry with you every day. Yes, God can be angry with you. Does it surprise you? Your ways, your words, your thoughts, your actions, are a continual offence to Him. They are all unpardoned and unforgiven. They cover you from head to foot. They provoke Him every day to cut you off. There is but a step between you and hell.

(2) You are in folly. There sits at the right hand of God a mighty Saviour able and willing to give you peace, and you do not seek Him. For ten, twenty, thirty, and even more years, He has called you and you have refused His counsel. He has cried, “Come unto me,” and you have practically replied, “I will not.” He has said, “My ways are ways of pleasantness,” and you have constantly said, “I like my own sinful ways far better.” After all, for what have you refused Christ? For worldly riches which cannot heal a broken heart, for worldly business which you must one day leave, for worldly pleasures which do not really satisfy, and such as these, you have refused Christ! I would not call you “wise.”

I do beseech you to consider your ways. I mourn over your present condition with sorrow. Seek Christ, seek Christ, that you may have peace within and a present help in trouble. The Lord Jesus is the prince of peace, a friend who never fails nor forsakes.

Second, now then what shall I say to the ones having peace with God? I think of two groups of people in this category.

(1) There are some who have all the reasons to believe and hope that they have peace with God but are troubled by doubts and fears. They are constantly assailed by weaknesses, passions, and infirmities. Temptations are attacking them both within and without. Thus they are also constantly liable to the temptations of the devil. Ironically, “doubts and fears” could be a sign of the presence of peace. There is seldom life in the heart when all is still, quiet, and one way of thinking. A true Christian may be known by his warfare as well as by his peace. These very doubts and fears which now distress him are tokens of good. He has really something which he is afraid to lose. Therefore, here is some advice to the doubtful and fearful believers. They should not become unjust accusers of themselves. They should pray for more knowledge of their own heart, of the fullness of Jesus, and of the devices of the devil. Let doubts and fears drive you to the throne of grace, stir you up to more prayer, send you more frequently to Christ. Do not let doubts and fears rob you of your peace. Learn to be content to go to heaven as a sinner saved by grace.

(2) There are some who have peace with God and desire to keep up a lively sense of it. It must never be forgotten that a believer’s sense of his own justification and acceptance with God, admits of many degrees and variations. At one time it may be bright and clear, and at another dull and dim. At one time it may be high and full, like the flood tide, at another low like the ebb. Our justification is a fixed, changeless, immovable thing. But our sense of justification is liable to many changes. Then what are the best means of preserving in a believer’s heart that lively sense of justification which is so precious to the soul that knows it?

There must be constant looking to Jesus. As the pilot keeps his eye on the mark by which he steers, so must we keep our eye on Christ.

There must be constant communion with Jesus. We must use Him daily as our soul’s Physician, and High Priest. There must be daily conference, daily profession, and daily absolution.

There must be constant watchfulness against the enemies of your soul. He that would have peace must be always prepared for war.

There must be constant following after holiness in every relation of life – in our tempers, in our tongues, abroad and at home. A small speck on the lens of a telescope is enough to prevent our seeing distant objects clearly. A small dust will soon make a watch go incorrectly.

There must be constant labouring after humility. Pride goes before a fall. Self-confidence is often the mother of sloth, of hurried Bible reading, and sleepy prayers. Peter first said he would never forsake his Lord, though all others did. Then, he slept when he should have prayed. Then he denied the Lord three times and only found wisdom after bitter weeping.

There must be constant boldness in confessing our Lord before men. Them that honour Christ, Christ will honour with much of His company. When the disciples forsook our Lord, they were wretched and miserable. When they confessed Him before the council, they were filled with joy and Holy Spirit.

There must be constant diligence about the means of grace. Here are the ways in which Jesus loves to walk. No disciple must expect to see much of his Master, who does not delight in public worship, Bible reading, and private prayer.

There must be constant jealousy over our own souls, and frequent self-examination. We must be careful to distinguish between justification and sanctification.

I am sure that there are many more things easily added to this list. What is listed here are only the first things to be attended to by believers. As I conclude this topic, I must urge you that you ought to know what it is to have peace with God. If you have never yet had peace, you ought to seek peace in Christ and to find it. If you have already tasted peace, may your sense of peace every day, week, month, year, mightily increase!

Lovingly,

Pastor Emeritus Rev Okman Ki

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