Slideshow image

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 1:2

Ever noticed that every epistle in the New Testament starts with some variation of these words, "Grace to you and peace from God…"? Most of them end with something like this: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."

In reading the openings and endings of most of the New Testament I saw this pattern of grace and peace going together. Even the last book of the Bible Revelations has the word grace in its ending verse. The Book of Revelation—the last book in the Bible—has as its last words: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (Revelation 22:21)

I think in having this phrase repeatedly in the Word, God is wanting us to pay attention to grace and peace and be filled with both. Maybe these salutations and benedictions carried more weight than we've considered. Grace or the word “charis” in the Greek is defined as favor, loving-kindness, and goodwill; the merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ. This word denotes a multifaceted definition much like the grace of God is multifaceted. Peace—from the Greek word "eirene"—refers to a tranquil state, quietness, and rest. It speaks of harmony between individuals and peace with God. Receiving God's peace gives us a quiet, tranquil, fearless heart full of confidence, assurance, and rest in God. His peace acts like a bodyguard—it guards our minds and hearts amid trouble and fear. I feel it’s important that we understand both and operate in both.

May God's Grace and His Peace be with you all.