MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
February 12, 2025
Peace: The Third ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit (Part 7)
WHY ‘THE GOSPEL OF PEACE’ IS CALLED ‘A SWORD’
Jesus taught the first Twelve:
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
Matt. 10:34, see verses 32-42, KJV.
Now this from the inspired pen (all emphasis and bracketed words mine):
4SOP 47-48: Persecution In The First Centuries.
“The early Christians were indeed a PECULIAR people [see 1 Pet. 2:9; Deut. 14:2]. In what way? “Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were a CONTINUAL REPROOF that disturbed the SINNER’S PEACE. Though FEW in numbers, without wealth, position, of honorary titles, they were a TERROT TO EVIL-DOERS wherever their CHARACTER AND DOCTRINES were known.
“Therefore they were HATED by the wicked, EVEN AS Abel was hated by the ungodly Cain [his older brother!]. For the same reason that Cain slew Abel did those who would THROW OFF THE RESTRAINT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, put to death God’s people.
“It was for the same reason that the JEWS rejected and crucified the Savior, because the PURITY AND HOLINESS of His character was a constant rebuke to their selfishness and corruption.
“From the days of Christ UNTIL NOW, His faithful disciples have excited the hatred and opposition of those who love and follow the ways of sin.
“HOW, THEN, CAN THE GOSPEL BE CALLED A MESSAGE OF PEACE? When Isaiah [the gospel-prophet] foretold the birth of the Messiah, he ascribed to Him the title, ‘Prince of peace.’ When angels announced to the shepherds that Christ was born, they sung above the plains of Bethlehem, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE, good will toward men.’ (Luke 2:14).
“There is A SEEMING CONTRADICTION between these prophetic and the words of Christ, ‘I CAME NOT TO SEND PEACE, BUT A SWORD.’ Matt. 10:34. But rightly understood, the two are in perfect harmony.
“The gospel is a message of peace. Christianity is a SYSTEM, which, received and obeyed, would spread PEACE, harmony, and happiness throughout the earth. The RELIGION OF CHRIST will unite in close brotherhood all who accept its teachings. It was the mission of Jesus to RECONCILE man to God, and thus to his fellow-man.
“But the world-at-large are under the control of Satan, Christ’s bitterest foe. [the central power of the earth is not a nation, a shadowy cabal of “new world order,” but a demon!]. The gospel presents to them principles of life which are wholly AT VARIANCE with their habits and desires, and they rise IN REBELLION against it. They HATE THE PURITY that reveals and condemns their sins, and they PERSECUTE AND DESTROY those who would urge upon them its JUST and HOLY claims.
“It is in this sense—-because the EXALTED TRUTH it brings, occasion hatred and strife—THAT THE GOSPEL IS CALLED A SWORD.” -E.G. White, Vol. 4 Spirit of Prophecy, Review & Herald Publishing, 1884, pp. 47, 48.
As part of “the whole armor of God,” the Word is designated as the sole spiritual weapon of offense, called “the sword of the Holy Spirit” (Eph. 6: 17, 10-16), which He “moved the holy men of God to speak and write” (2 Pet. 1: 21). Christ, mankind’s Savior, Pattern Man, and Example, Himself, “The Word from the beginning” (John 1:1-3), exclusively employed “It is written” to parry and defeat all of Satan’s “fiery darts” of provocations and temptations.
We cannot do any less the example set before us and expect to “overcome even as Hs overcame.” Furthermore:
“For the word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and SHARPER THAN ANY TWO-EDGED SWORD, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do [all will have to stand before the judgement seat of Christ, the Prince of peace and righteous Judge of all the earth].” Heb. 4:12,13, KJV.
To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.