Question 200: What is peace?

Answer:

Peace is the restored relationship between God and humanity through Jesus Christ. It is the inner stillness and confidence that flows from being reconciled to God, kept by His grace, and trusting in His providence. True peace comes from the Holy Spirit and guards my heart and mind even in times of trouble. (Romans 5:1, John 14:27, Philippians 4:6–7, Isaiah 26:3)

Full Scripture References

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1 (BSB)

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” — John 14:27 (BSB)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6–7 (BSB)

“You will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” — Isaiah 26:3 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of Christ. It begins with reconciliation to God through the cross—where Jesus removed the hostility caused by sin and made peace by His blood. Through faith in Him, I am no longer under judgment but adopted as a child of God, and this restored relationship becomes the source of lasting peace in my soul.

True peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, not dependent on circumstances. It calms fear, steadies the heart in trials, and gives confidence in God’s sovereign goodness. I experience this peace through prayer, worship, trust, and obedience. As I bring my burdens to God and fix my eyes on Christ, He guards my heart with His peace.

Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Peace is not something we create—it is something we receive. It flows from the cross of Christ and rests in the heart of the believer who trusts in Him.”

Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “The peace of Christ is deeper than emotion. It is the soul’s settled rest in God. Even when the storm rages around us, the Christian can say, ‘It is well with my soul.’”

The 1662 Book of Common Prayer expresses this peace in the liturgy, particularly in the words, “The peace of the Lord be always with you.” The Pax Domini reminds us that we are one with God and with each other through Christ. The Collect for Peace prays, “O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord… defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies.”

J.C. Ryle wrote, “The only peace worth having is the peace of God. Riches cannot give it, pleasure cannot buy it, health cannot guarantee it. It comes through Christ alone.” (Practical Religion, 1878)

Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Peace is the atmosphere of heaven. And when Christ reigns in your heart, peace becomes the atmosphere of your life.”

Peace glorifies Christ because it flows from His reconciling work, reveals His presence in us, and enables the Church to live as a witness to His Kingdom.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You. Peace is the quietness of the soul that rests in God.” — Confessions, 1.1

St. Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–395 AD): “Peace is the guardian of the soul, a gift from the Spirit, and the sign of a heart rightly ordered before God.” — On the Beatitudes, 6

St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “To be at peace with God is the foundation of all joy. The one who has peace with heaven can endure anything on earth.” — Homily on Romans, 8

St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “Peace is the mark of the Christian. If we are Christ’s, we must live in His peace, love it, and sow it wherever we go.” — Treatise on the Lord’s Prayer, 24