Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 4; Psalms 86 & 87; Isaiah 32; Revelation 2
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. (Isaiah 32:17)
Isaiah was prophesying of what would come to pass when the Spirit of God was poured out upon the people. He warned the people who were then living at ease that trouble was coming. The people of Judah would go away into captivity in Babylon. No one wanted to hear what he said or believe him. They were very comfortable in their ways and deeds. They were comfortable and at ease because they had plenty of food and were at peace with their enemies. Isaiah warned them that it would not last.
Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled, ye careless ones: strip you, and make you bare, and gird sackcloth upon your loins. (Isaiah 32:11)
The only way they would truly have peace and quietness was when the Spirit of God was poured out upon them. They were not worried but they should have been because of the great calamity that was going to come upon them. According to God in his Word, there is only one way to have peace and that is to have righteousness. Before you understand the righteousness of God, you are an enemy of God. Even though Isaiah preached to the nation of Israel, they were still God's enemies because they were not righteous.
How do become righteous? There is only one way. It is how Abraham was made righteous and it is how you can be made righteous too.
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Romans 3:22)
Righteousness is a gift from God. He gives it to those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Now the Bible says the work of righteousness is peace. The effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance forever. Do you have peace with God?
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1)
Do you live a life of quietness? There is only one way to have a peaceful and quiet life. It is to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and be born again.
Do you know for sure that you are right with God? According to the Bible when you trust in Christ alone for salvation, you can know for sure that you are righteous in his sight. Righteousness is not something you produce. It is something you receive. Trust in Christ and let his righteousness do the work in your life!
In Christ,
Rody
