Rest for Israel, Peace for the Body

From a language perspective, when used as nouns, peace means a state of tranquility, quiet, and harmony, whereas rest means relief from work or activity by ceasing action or sleeping. When used as verbs, peace means to make peace, whereas rest means to cease from action, motion, work, or performance of any kind. In the common context, rest has more to do with ceasing from a physical activity, whereas peace is mostly connected to a calm state of mind. We can simplify it further to say that rest is mostly a physical thing whereas peace is more of a soul, or spiritual state.

An interesting observation and trend is noticed in the scriptures when rest and peace are tallied up between the Jewish books in the Old and New Testaments versus the Pauline epistles.

• Rest: Bible = 268; Paul = 7
• Peace: Bible = 382; Paul = 47

These tallies make sense because we know from a dispensational point of view that Israel is a physical people whereas the Body of Christ is a spiritual entity. Israel is promised rest from their labours and endurance whereas the Body of Christ does not need rest (since Christ worked on their behalf), but rather can find peace, which comes from a trust in the cross work of Christ.

Examples: Rest for Israel

Psalm 94:13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity,

Isaiah 14:3 And it shall come to pass in the day that the Lord shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,

Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Examples: Peace for the Body of Christ

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Philippians 4:6-8 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

----- Addendum -----

Pertinent quote from Arthur Licursi's article, The Peace of God

While only those who are at peace with God can know, and in fact should know “the peace of God,” it does not follow, however, that all those who are at “peace with God” necessarily enjoy “the peace of God.” Believers must continue to be believers in order to enjoy the “peace of God.” The word for continuing to believe is “trust.” Believers can enjoy “the peace of God” only as they practice Paul’s admonition seen here,

“Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)

As we follow Paul’s instructions the promise which follows will spontaneously be fulfilled.

“The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (verse 7).