“…and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross,
having slain the enmity thereby.”
(Ephesians 2:16)
The Fall of man introduced a breach so deep and so universal that every relationship in creation—God and man, man and man, man and the world, and even within man’s own soul—was thrown into disarray. As John Owen observed, Adam’s sin brought hostility not only between man and God, but among all created things, casting the world into slavery and sorrow.[1] Romans 8:22 reminds us that all creation groans under this weight.
But God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, determined not to leave His world in such disrepair. In Ephesians 1:9-10, He declared that He would gather together in one all things in Christ… things in heaven and things on earth. God’s purpose from eternity was to restore peace, to bind what had been torn, to order what had fallen into chaos. This He accomplished by appointing Jesus Christ as the Head of a renewed creation and the sole Mediator of reconciliation.
Where the first Adam shattered harmony, the second Adam restored it. Christ Jesus, our High Priest, laid the foundation of peace at the cross, and now proclaims that peace through His Gospel. “And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh” (Ephesians 2:17).
This peace is a legal and relational reconciliation of fallen man with a holy God. As Romans 5:1 declares, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The wrath once upon the sinner is satisfied in the sacrifice of Christ, such that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
Though the believer is at peace with God, he may often struggle to sense that peace experientially. Sin within, suffering without, and the cares of life may cloud the comfort of that peace. Yet this peace remains, for it does not depend on our emotional state but in the finished work of the Redeemer. Christ has accomplished peace once and for all, and it is His gift to us, as He promised: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you…” (John 14:27).
So let us seek to live in light of this peace, to abide in it, to seek its deeper experience, and to proclaim it. Though storms may rise, the soul anchored in Christ can rest, for “he is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14).
Contemplations:
- The peace He gives is more than I feel. Though I often feel troubled, the peace Christ secured for me is sure. Sin clouds my assurance, but not my standing. I am reconciled to God through the cross. I must ask the Lord to give me clearer sight, that my heart might rest in what is already mine through Christ.
- Waiting in faith for peace’s comfort. I know I have peace with God, yet I wait for its fullness in my soul. When I am weak, I must not despair because I know peace is promised to those who trust in Him. I must abide in faith, knowing the God who made peace will, in due time, apply it deeply to my heart.
- The comfort of peace is worth cultivating. I do not want to live as one who only possesses peace… but as one who enjoys it. That requires walking in the Spirit, guarding my conscience, pursuing holiness. Peace thrives where sin is slain. Let me not forfeit the joy of what Christ has purchased.
- There is no peace in the world apart from Him. I see how restless the world is—chasing, scrambling, falling apart. But I know peace can only be found in Christ who reconciles all things. His cross ends hostility. Whatever turmoil surrounds me, I rest in this: God works all things for my good. That truth alone is peace to my soul.
Prayer (Supplication):
O Lord our God, who dwells in eternal peace and has revealed Yourself as the God of reconciliation through Jesus Christ our Savior, we come before You in reverent supplication.
We were once far off, estranged from Your presence, fit only for condemnation. Yet in Your great mercy, You did not cast us away forever. Instead, You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, to slay the enemy and reconcile us to Yourself through His own body on the cross.
Grant us, we pray, not only to know this peace as a doctrine, but to enjoy it as a daily reality. We ask, Lord, that You quiet our hearts. Remove from us every barrier to communion. Where guilt accuses, remind us of Christ’s righteousness. Where doubt creeps in, let the Spirit bear witness that we are Your children. Where sin tempts, grant us grace to resist by the power of Your peace.
We confess, Lord, that though You have made peace with us, we have not always walked in the light of that peace. We have given place to fear, to anxiety, to distrust. We have let the cares of this world weigh us down. Forgive us, and help us to lift our eyes to the risen Christ, seated at Your right hand, whose wounds declare that He was victorious over death.
And Lord, cause this peace to abound in us. Let it govern our minds, anchor our hearts, and steady our feet. Teach us to cast our cares upon You, knowing You care for us. Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, to which also we are called in one body.
Grant that we may be peacemakers in a world of conflict. May our lives reflect the grace You have shown. Make us instruments of Your reconciliation, showing the world the peace found only in Christ. Let us speak of it boldly, live it sincerely, and rest in it continually.
When trials rise, keep us steadfast. When storms rage, remind us of the cross where peace was purchased. When we falter, draw us again to the mercy seat where Christ intercedes.
And in the end, Lord, bring us into that eternal Sabbath where peace shall never end. Until then, sustain us by Your Spirit. Keep us in Your love. And let the peace which passes all understanding guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further References for Ephesians 2:16
Colossians 1:20–21; 2 Corinthians 5:18; Ephesians 2:14; Colossians 2:14; Romans 5:10; 1 Corinthians 10:17.
[1] “By this sin of our first parents, all men are brought into an estate of sin and apostasy from God, and of enmity unto him, Gen. 6:5: “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Ps. 51:5: “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Rom. 3:23: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 8:7, “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Eph. 4:18: “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart”(Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13).” John Owen, The Glory of the Trinity, Works, vol. 2 (Simpsonville, SC: Christian Classics Foundation, 1999), 56.
