Know Jesus, Know Peace

In a world at war, people are divided about what it takes to ultimately bring peace to the planet. Many feel it will never happen. But it will. Here's how.

When I was a teen growing up in the 60s in America, the "peace movement" and antiwar demonstrations in this country were at a fever pitch. College students and young people by the thousands demonstrated in the streets, burned draft cards and preached pacifism. The reason? They didn't like the politics of a war being fought thousands of miles away—and so claimed that love, flowers in your hair and a bit of drugs would solve society's ills!

Many even preached "Jesus"—claiming that He was a first-century hippie who promoted love and pacifism, along with imbibing in the lifestyles of a few sinners now and then! Those pushing this newfound version of Christianity were often referred to as "Jesus freaks" (a name that group has held to this day). The hippies of the late 1960s, including some claiming to be "Jesus look-alikes," preached their message of peace, not war, and "all you need is love." They promised to change the world for the better.

Well ... we all know that didn't happen.

Today, nearly 40 years later, with the winds of war blowing through the streets and byways of many nations and continents, the argument over war versus peace is brewing again. This revived debate is destined to further divide countries and people in their efforts to establish a lasting peace, through either pacifism or war.

But what is the real way to the peace that mankind has pursued in our lifetimes and, for that matter, since the beginning of civilization? Why has peace been so elusive?

No Jesus, no peace

Some in the Christian world have coined the phrase: " No Jesus, no peace . . . Know Jesus, know peace. " It's a clever play on words. That's all most people think it is. However, read on and you'll see that this pithy saying is actually true!

Many young people have supported efforts to root out the evil of despotism and terror in their countries and other regions of the world. Likewise, pacifists have become emboldened against the use of force, killing and war—often in the face of terrorist threats themselves!

Despite man's apparent need to defend himself and his countrymen against the ravages of war and violence, we should consider what God says about it all. Jesus revealed that, due to human nature, war and violence will not bring true peace!

Mankind's history over the millennia is proof that war, strife and killing are not the solution to the problems that exist on this planet. While some wars have brought evil regimes to their knees, warfare has not resulted in humanity having the lasting peace so many long for.

Human governments have failed to bring real harmony and peace to the planet because they have been ignorant of the One who came to earth many centuries ago to give us the answer. Mankind has totally overlooked the real Jesus and His stunning message!

A different kingdom

While many have sought a "silver bullet"—a special magical solution—to end wars and bring true peace to our planet, the real answer has been concealed in a book that many read but too few understand. The way to peace involves a change in the way we human beings think and live, along with the establishment of a world government ruled over by God. This new global government and kingdom must come to teach human beings how to live in harmony with one another. This kingdom is one few have understood.

The BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.—the Word of the Creator—reveals this knowledge that has been hidden from most people for ages. While many claim that the "kingdom" that Jesus referred to in His earthly ministry is set up in people's hearts, the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. shows that it is much more!

Notice what one of the prophets of God proclaimed centuries before Christ brought His message: "And in the days of these kings [particular rulers in a future setting] the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever" (Daniel 2:44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
See All...).

These amazing words paint a picture of a literal kingdom and government that God will set up that will never be destroyed! This kingdom will virtually consume the other nations of the world. It's a power that will "stand forever." We're talking about permanence here! What, then, is the key to this kingdom that God will set up?

Know Jesus, know peace

The wonderful news of the coming Kingdom of God was the heart and core of the great news that Jesus Christ preached to the people of His day. His preaching remains true today, and it is the same message still being proclaimed to the world by God's Church. Jesus will soon return to earth and establish His Kingdom.

Notice this reference to Jesus' return: "And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'" (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 11:15And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
See All...). At His return, Jesus Christ will assume rule over all human governments and teach all nations on earth.

A different way of thinking!

This ultimate solution will not just involve a change in rule. Jesus explained that His new Kingdom will also require a change in the way people think. This change will mean not just changing one's opinion about things, but changing the way one views himself and making choices to think a totally different way.

Christ, as the Son of God, is the example showing us the way. This is what the gospel (good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament .) of Jesus Christ is all about—showing us the way to think and live! This change is what will finally bring lasting change to man and the lasting peace that humanity has sought for thousands of years.

Jesus taught that man must get a virtual brain transplant, a new mind! And that is what will happen with those who respond to God's invitation to be a part of His government and family in the future.

The change will involve familiar characteristics, but from a truly spiritual perspective. Jesus' teaching shows us the way. In summary form, here are some examples:

No kindness, no peace—know kindness, know peace.

No forgiveness, no peace—know forgiveness, know peace.

No love, no peace—know love, know peace.

No faith, no peace—know faith, know peace.

You get the point. To truly know and understand the spiritual side of these virtues (also called fruits, Galatians 5:22-23 [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
[23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

See All...) will be the foundation of this new world (Hebrews 8:10-11 [10] For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
[11] And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

See All...). This knowledge will eventually cover the whole earth (Isaiah 11:9They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
See All...).

The BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. describes this new way of thinking as a "new heart" within men. It is a transformation of how a person thinks! To change the human heart is the only way man will achieve his destiny and the peace that eludes him. Although a change of heart for all humanity will only happen when these prophecies of Christ's return are fulfilled, you can begin this process now. (To learn how, request our free booklet Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion .)

Peace finally comes

While the exciting news of solving the violence, fear and suffering of mankind is awesome indeed, it won't happen without Christ having to "fight" His way back.

The BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. tells us that mankind will reject and fight against Jesus when He seeks to establish this new government and new way of life (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 19:11-21 [11] And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
[12] His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
[13] And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of GodThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ..
[14] And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
[15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
[16] And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
[17] And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
[18] That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
[19] And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
[20] And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
[21] And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

See All...).

But better news lies just beyond the violent resistance of man at His return. The prophet Micah spoke of a time in the near future—a time of unprecedented peace:

"Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it. Many nations shall come and say, 'Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.'

"For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and rebuke strong nations afar off; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" (Micah 4:1-3 [1] But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
[2] And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
[3] And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

See All...).

Think of it! A time of no more war. People will not teach violence and the tactics of warfare as a way to resolve conflict anymore. To the contrary, Jesus Christ and those who are called of God now will be involved in the most comprehensive education effort of all time!

As the words of the prophet Micah show, when Jesus Christ establishes His government, humanity will begin to recognize the blessings that come from obedience to God's ways and laws and will stream to Him to learn that way of life. Christ will settle disputes between peoples and will have to "rebuke strong nations" that reject His direction and authority.

This incredible new government will have an impact on the entire world through the leadership of Jesus Christ and His faithful servants. These followers of the true Jesus, converted members of His family, will bring changes to this world that will ultimately eliminate the causes of human tears and suffering.

We read of such a hopeful time in the age to come: "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 21:4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
See All...).

Man's destiny

God has a magnificent plan that extends beyond the peace that the return of Jesus Christ will bring to this earth. His annual Holy Days tell of God's purpose for human beings to become His very children and eventually rule the universe! God's entire plan, from Jesus emptying Himself and becoming human, sacrificing His life for mankind and looking forward to the future when mankind will inhabit the universe is laid out in God's annual festivals as revealed in His Word.

To understand this bigger picture, request our free booklet God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind . All of this is what "knowing Jesus" will ultimately lead to.

Thus, there's more than a clever wordplay in the phrase " know Jesus, know peace ." Know the real Jesus and His incredible message, and you will know and ultimately experience real peace—the lasting peace that mankind longs for! VT