What Is True Peace?

Jan 5

What is “true shalom?” Put another way, when are things well in the most profound and fundamental way possible?

What if?

Consider this answer: “When G-d Himself, the everlasting and almighty Creator of the universe, is not against you but fór you and will shower you with blessing forever!”

True shalom is found when you are in right relationship with G-d; that is, in good standing, completely reconciled to the Holy One of Israel.

That would be wonderful to experience!

Indeed! But here’s the bad news.

The Bad News

It is impossible for us to achieve right standing with G-d by our own efforts.

Why is that so?

We begin with the reality that our Creator is absolutely righteous. His holy character abhors all wickedness and sin. Scripture teaches, “Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, and You can not look on wickedness with favor.[1]

Further, we are told, “Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.”[2]

The Prophet Isaiah uses this metaphor to describe our wayward condition: “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.”[3]

Isaiah also tells us, “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your G-d, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."[4]

Good things that won’t solve the problem

What if we “try harder to do better?” Won’t that solve the problem?

That’s what most people who have a concept of a Righteous Judge before whom we will stand one day endeavor to do. But in our current state as “sheep gone astray” it is impossible to work ourselves into a complete good standing with G-d. It is as impossible as it is to swim across the ocean, even when you are a good swimmer. The rift is too wide and deep between our holy G-d and sinful mankind.

Here’s the problem as the Bible describes it. “For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.”[5]

But doesn’t the Bible commend good deeds?

Absolutely! The righteous will be rewarded in Eternity for them. But none of us is righteous![6]

So there IS merit in doing good!

Everyone wants to be around people who do nice things, who are loving, kind, and generous. These are a blessing, no doubt, and reflect the kind of qualities G-d desires us to demonstrate.

But our good deeds do NOT erase our sins. Think of it this way. The “good deed” of ironing a shirt will smooth wrinkles. But ironing won’t remove the filthy stains that render the garment useless.

HASHEM Himself!

So how do I “close the gap” between G-d and me?

Here is the good news! HaShem Himself wants to carry us across the gap that separates us. In His mercy G-d sent Yeshua (Jesus of Nazareth), the promised Messiah. Yeshua offers us full reconciliation with our heavenly Father.

But why is Yeshua qualified to remove the stain of sin in my life?

The Tanakh (Hebrew Scriptures) provides the answer. First, God’s “cleansing agent” for sin comes in the form of a blood sacrifice. “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.”[7]

Second, Yeshua as the Son of G-d lived a sinless life, thus escaping the penalty of death.[8] He willingly laid down His life for us, bearing the full weight of our holy G-d’s wrath for our sins. That G-d accepted Yeshua’s death in our place is sealed by His resurrection from the dead, all according to prophecy.[9]

This free gift of salvation and eternal life is offered to anyone who wants to receive it through repentance toward G-d and faith in Yeshua.

The faith of Abraham

But how can simple faith accomplish what no human effort can?

Again, the Tanakh clearly illustrates this truth. In the story of Abraham’s near-sacrifice of Isaac, Abraham trusted G-d would provide the needed lamb. “Then [Abraham] believed in the L-rd; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”[10]

Yeshua is the divinely-provided Lamb of G-d.[11] Our Messiah perfectly fits the picture of G-d’s strong hand, powerfully grasping us and delivering us from the dire situation we are in.[12]

Shalom now and forever

So, are you saying if I trust in Yeshua my life will be perfect?

We’re certainly not saying that everything is always easy for believers in Yeshua. Life can be disturbing, even brutal at times. Followers of Yeshua have endured very real suffering throughout many centuries.

But when you fundamentally know that nothing can separate you from God's love[13] you can have the peace Yeshua gives[14] even when you are battered by life.[15]

On the basis that by faith the righteousness of Yeshua has been credited[16] to your eternal account, you can have the profound conviction: “In the end, everything will work out well for me! God is not against me but for me!”

This is not true in this world only. When we belong to Messiah we have an amazing future in the world to come. The day is coming when Messiah's eternal kingdom will completely break through and take over. But we need not wait till that day. We urge you to connect with Messiah by faith TODAY and experience something of the ultimate shalom and abundant life[17] He promises His followers even now.

We wish you Yeshua’s “true shalom”!

Interested in learning more about experiencing this shalom in challenging life circumstances? Check out the other articles and videos on this website. Other material is here to help you explore further the biblical basis of all G-d provides us in Messiah Yeshua.

You are also welcome to live chat through the “Let’s Talk” option to your right, email us at questions@insearchofshalom.com, or text or call 484-3SHALOM (484-374-2566).

[1] Habakkuk 1:13.

[2] Ecclesiastes 7:20.

[3] Isaiah 53:6.

[4] Isaiah 59:2.

[5] Isaiah 64:6.

[6] Psalm 14:1-3.

[7] Leviticus 17:11.

[8] “The soul who sins will die” (Ezekiel 18:4).

[9] See Isaiah 53, particularly vs. 10-12.

[10] Genesis 15:6; see also Romans 4:13.

[11] John 1:29, 36.

[12] Compare Psalm 113.