Does The Bible Contradict Itself? (Part 4)

THE DAILY WORD
By Jim Seekamp

Friday April 24, 2009

Some believe the following two passages to contradict:

Matthew 10:34-36 (NIV)
34. "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35. For I have come to turn "`a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law-- 36. a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'

John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

In one passage, Jesus said He did not come to bring peace, and in the other He said He gives us peace! But the context is different, and He is talking about two different kinds of peace. No, Jesus did not come to bring physical peace between nations or people. In some families people are rejected and disowned if they become a Christian. But Jesus DID give us inward peace when we are born again; one of the fruits of the born again human spirit is peace:

Galatians 5:22,23 (NIV)
22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, PEACE, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23. gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

At the cross, Jesus took the punishment that brought us that inward peace:

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us PEACE was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Regardless of outward circumstances, every believer has inward peace they can tap into, and even live in constantly!

Have a great weekend!

PRAYER
Thank You Father for Your life-giving Word. Thank You for giving me the inward peace that no man can take away. Help me understand Your Word so I can allow You to govern every area of my life.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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