Honest Truth About Peace

Our world is caught in a cycle of conflict, division and despair. Turn on the news or scroll through social media, and you’ll see humanity’s attempts at peace—often through violent conflict. Nations wage war in pursuit of security. Politicians pledge unity while sowing discord. People fracture while yearning for meaningful relationships. Institutions try to prevent conflict but to no lasting avail—as we see at this 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

The question that haunts us is simple yet profound: Why can’t humanity achieve the peaceful harmony we desperately desire?

The answer lies not in collective rationale, but in truths beyond human understanding. True, lasting peace cannot be manufactured, negotiated or legislated. After World War II, Gen. Douglas MacArthur stated the problem is fundamentally “theological and involves a spiritual recrudescence [or revival] and improvement of human character . . . It must be of the spirit if we are to save the flesh.” True peace can come only through divine intervention. Thankfully, Scripture promises that real peace is not just possible—it is certain.

God has promised to send Jesus Christ as the conquering King who will establish His Kingdom and bring the peace that has eluded humanity for millennia. He will establish something new—the Kingdom (or rule) of God over the earth. The prophet Isaiah foretold the resulting peace when all nations will “beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks,” and “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).

A sculpture at the U.N. portrays that passage, but the process for achieving it surpasses human know-how. “Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations” (Revelation 15:3, English Standard Version, emphasis added). It is when people give “glory to God in the highest” that there can be “on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14).

The future age of peace and joy is the focus of our magazine’s name Beyond Today. That age will yet dawn, as laid out in our cover story, with a companion piece on how Christ’s reign will differ from what we see today. Another article explains how the opportunity to live under God’s rule will ultimately encompass all who have ever lived.

Yet we’re not just waiting for the future. We’re to live it now. The gospel contains a present invitation, as I explore further in “Living Under Jesus’ Reign Today”. The same King who will rule the earth with justice is the living Jesus who calls us to observe all He commanded His disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)—becoming advance citizens of God’s Kingdom of peace. We’re called not just to believe intellectually but to surrender completely to the lordship of Jesus Christ and live His laws of outgoing concern that result in true peace.

Here’s a truth many miss—hearing the gospel requires a response. We must “obey the gospel” (2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17; Romans 10:16). Jesus said, “If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:17). These aren’t mere suggestions—they’re requirements for being in the Body of Christ and for citizenship in His coming Kingdom.

Religious teachers often preach about “heaven” while excusing living by its rules. We're comfortable discussing eternal rewards but avoid present requirements. We love God’s grace but resist His governance. We celebrate future glory while neglecting godliness now. This selective faith is what Jesus warned against when He said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

This obedience isn’t about earning salvation through works. It’s about living as citizens of the Kingdom we claim to serve. When we understand Jesus is King, our natural response is to align our lives with His commands. Our obedience to the gospel is our testimony to the reality of God’s Kingdom.

Those who submit to Christ’s rule begin to experience a foretaste of His peace that will one day fill the earth. That reality is experienced annually through God’s Feast of Tabernacles. This commanded, weeklong festival is filled with blessings, harmonious relationships, spiritual nourishment and physical enjoyment that not only portray His coming reign but provide a living foretaste today.

As we anticipate Christ’s return and the establishment of His perfect Kingdom, we are called to live as Kingdom citizens now. This means letting His peace rule in our hearts when circumstances threaten our joy. It means extending His forgiveness when wronged. It means promoting His laws of love to a world desperate for authentic peace.

The same God who will send Jesus Christ to establish perfect peace on earth is offering His Spirit to establish that peace in our hearts. But we must choose to repent of lawlessness, submit to His rule, receive His forgiveness, obey His commands and live beyond today’s temporary troubles by focusing on tomorrow’s eternal promises.

The Kingdom is coming. The King is returning. The question before you and me now is whether we will live as faithful subjects of the King who already reigns over His Church (Ephesians 1:22, Colossians 1:18).

May you experience the peace that comes from complete surrender to Christ’s reign both now and beyond today!