The Bible Echo, vol. 8

September 1, 1893

“The Reign of Peace” The Bible Echo 8, 17.

E. J. Waggoner

The greatest and most common mistake among men is to judge GOD by themselves. The Lord’s reproach to man is, “Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself.” Psalm 50:21. But the facts in the case are stated in these words: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8, 9. BEST September 1, 1893, par. 1

That is the reason that men have such erroneous ideas about the government of GOD. They judge GOD’S method of governing by what they know of human governments, and therefore we hear such expressions as these, “If GOD rules this world why does He not put a stop to all this poverty and misery?” Or, “Why doesn’t He make everybody good? if He rules, and is omnipotent, why does He allow anybody to be lost?” or, allowing that He does reign, they conclude that He is neither good nor merciful, because He allows sin and misery to exist. Thus many infidels rail against the LORD, and many poor, overworked men and women echo the sentiment, because they do not know the Lord, but form their opinions of Him by themselves. BEST September 1, 1893, par. 2

The fact is that if GOD were to do what the people say He ought to do, they themselves would add hate to their indifference to Him. Men shout for liberty, and execrate tyranny, and then murmur against GOD because He is not a tyrant. They refuse to serve Him, because He does not deprive them of their liberty, and make them not only slaves, but mere machines. BEST September 1, 1893, par. 3

GOD is a “GOD of peace.” Hebrews 13:2. His reign is a reign of peace. The Apostle Paul says, “Let the peace of GOD rule in your hearts.” Colossians 3:15. He rules by peace. This is different from anything known among men, and we shall see the significance of it presently. JESUS CHRIST, the Son of the living GOD, is the “Prince of peace;” “and of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.” Isaiah 9:6, 7. His gospel is “the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:15. BEST September 1, 1893, par. 4

GOD’S thoughts concerning man are “thoughts of peace, and not of evil.” Jeremiah 29:11. And his ways are peace. When He speaks, He speaks peace. “I will hear what GOD the Lord will speak; for He will speak peace unto his people and to his saints.” Psalm 85:8. Of the work of the Father and of the Son upon the throne, the prophet says: “Thus speaketh the LORD of Hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and He shall grow up out of His place, and He shall build the temple of the LORD; even He shall build the temple of the LORD; and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” Zechariah 6:12, 13. BEST September 1, 1893, par. 5

Thus we see that the GOD of peace, and the Prince of peace, “who is our peace,” are sitting upon the throne together, and their counsels together are counsels of peace. Their thoughts toward men are thoughts of peace, and they speak peace. The word of the ruler is law, and therefore the law of GOD is a law of peace. Everything in connection with his government is peace. BEST September 1, 1893, par. 6

The peace of GOD is an active quality. It is peace that rules. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD. And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS.” Philippians 4:6, 7. It is impossible to describe peace that passes all understanding, and the only way that men can know it is to receive it at the hands of the LORD, for He says: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.” John 14:27. And yet, although we are not able to fathom its depth, we may know the nature of it from the Word of GOD. BEST September 1, 1893, par. 7