How , then , can the gospel be called a message of peace ? When Isaiah 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 sang 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 declarations and the words of Christ : " I came not to send peace , but a sword ." Matthew 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 men to God , and thus to one another . But the world at large are under the control of Satan , Christ ' s bitterest foe . 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 which 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 truths it brings occasion hatred and strife-that the gospel is called a sword .
The mysterious providence which permits the righteous to suffer persecution at the hand of the wicked has been a cause of great perplexity to many who are weak in faith . Some are even ready to cast away their confidence in God because He suffers the basest of men to prosper , while the best and purest are afflicted and tormented by their cruel power . How , it is asked , can One who is just and merciful , and who is also infinite in power , tolerate such injustice and oppression ? This is a question with which we have nothing to do . God has given us sufficient evidence of His love , and we are not to doubt His goodness because we cannot understand the workings of His providence . Said the Saviour to His disciples , foreseeing the doubts that would press upon their souls in days of trial and darkness : " Remember the word that I said unto you , The servant is not greater than his lord . If they have persecuted Me , they will also persecute you ." John 15:20 . Jesus suffered for us more than any of His followers can be made to suffer through the cruelty of wicked men . Those who are called to endure torture and martyrdom are but following in the steps of God ' s dear Son .
" The Lord is not slack concerning His promise ." 2 Peter 3:9 . He does not forget or neglect His children ; but He permits the wicked to reveal their true character , that none who desire to do His will may be deceived concerning them . Again , the righteous are placed in the furnace of affliction , that they themselves may be purified ; that their example may convince others of the reality of faith and godliness ; and also that their consistent course may condemn the ungodly and unbelieving . God permits the wicked to prosper and to reveal their enmity against Him , that when they shall have filled up the measure of their iniquity all may see His
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