Following is another in a series of columns on The Baptist Faith & Message 2000.

The reconciliation of people to God must precede reconciliation of people to one another. We cannot truly live at peace with our neighbors until “the God of peace” resides in our hearts (Rom. 15:33).

Article XVI of The Baptist Faith & Message 2000 reads:

“It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war. 

“The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.”

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God’s word commands Christians to love peace and to make peace. Jesus tells his listeners in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9). And the apostle Paul instructs his Roman readers, “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18).

Even so, followers of Jesus understand that conflicts of every kind have punctuated human history since the Fall. Adam and Eve’s firstborn son, Cain, strikes his brother in a murderous rage, and the human race quickly descends into a spiral of personal, societal, and global conflict that continues today.

According to the New York Times, over the last 3,400 years, humans have been entirely at peace for only 268 years, or just eight percent of recorded history. At least 108 million people were killed in the wars of the twentieth century. And estimates of the total loss of life in wars throughout history range from 150 million to one billion.

Add to this the war-induced spread of disease, displacement of people groups, reduced birthrates, and financial impact – World War II alone cost each American $20,388 – and it’s clear that sinful and fallen people are our own worst enemies.

The Prince of Peace himself said that “wars and rumors of wars” would characterize the present age (Matt. 24:6). Jesus offers no hope of lasting peace until he reigns supremely in our hearts and returns one day to establish his kingdom in fullness. Even then, his glorious appearing is one of warfare against the wicked, who violently oppose his righteous rule  (Rev. 19:11-21).

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