Peace, the third fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 2:25, is far more than not being in a state of war. For the believer it is knowing he has received forgiveness for his transgressions, and he is no longer in a state of rebellion against God (Romans 5:10). The Holy Spirit has brought about a transformation of life for him (2 Corinthians 5:17), from being under the power of satan (Acts 26:17, 18) to being empowered by the Spirit for serving the Lord. Having been redeemed through the shed blood of Jesus at the cross he can rest in Him (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13).

He is at peace with God and with His creatures, relying completely on Him for all things; thankful for the past, grateful for the present, and happy in the knowledge of a certain hope for the future. ‘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).’

Jesus promises the believer that he has a peace the world does not have. He said, “ Peace I leave wth 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 fearful (John 14:27).”

We find this same freedom from anxiety in Philippians 4:6, 7: ‘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.’

This is not a transitory peace; it is for all time: ‘Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16).’

The believer has peace with God (Romans 5:1), and he is to be at peace with his brethren, being united in ‘one body’.  ‘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, ‘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 the two, thus making peace. (Ephesians 2:14, 15).’  Both Jewish and Gentile converts are joined together in Christ, who is their peace.

Peace was never truly found until the Prince of Peace paid the price for peace by dying on the cross (Colossians 1:19, 20). He was spoken of by the Prophets of the Old Testament (Luke 24:25-27), e.g., ‘For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)’.

Isaiah also prophesied of the peace Jesus would bring: ‘The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places (Isaiah 32:17)’.

Isaiah also knew of the peace of believers: ‘You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You (Isaiah 26:3).’  And in a similar vein, “I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,” says the LORD, “And I will heal him (Isaiah 57:19).”

Peter has this directive for the believer, ‘He who would love life and see good days, let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.(1 Peter 3:10-12).’