Verse 2 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Grace and peace are standard words of greeting for Greeks and Hebrews. They are also standard greetings in all of Paul’s letters. Grace is God’s love for us even though we are not deserving of the love. It is not just a word or an idea, it is a reality. Grace is an action by God towards our wellbeing. Think for a moment of the blessings and goodness that God brings to the world. The rain falls on everyone. God takes care of the universe even when the universe’s inhabitants ignore Him and turn to gods of their own design.
Peace from God is not just the cessation of turmoil or war in one’s daily life. God’s peace is one created by a cross and the death of Jesus. It abolishes the enmity that was caused by sin. Thus, it creates in the Christian a sense of tranquility, knowing that they are forgiven and saved for eternity. The Christian who has the peace that passes understanding knows that nothing in this world can separate him/her from the love of God and life eternal.
Though not mentioned here, I think it safe to say that grace and peace also come from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Godhead works as one to bring about our peace with it.
Task for Today: Accept the grace. Accept the fact that you are a sinner and lost without the salvation of Christ. He has done all that is necessary to settle your debt. He offers you peace through grace, accept it. Join Him in His death, burial and resurrection through baptism and receive the gift of God living in you in this life.
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