God’s Peace in a Global Pandemic

We live in uncertain times. As I write this, the Coronavirus is a global pandemic, the economy is falling, while fear and hopelessness is rising in many places. But in the waves and storms of life, God’s Word says there is a hope “we have as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19). In these unsure days, the Bible says we have the “word made more sure” (2 Peter 1:19) and “the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise” (Psalm 19:7). Even in a global pandemic, there is God’s peace offered, for this life and the next. His Word tells us how we can be certain we have peace with God. Proverbs 12:25 says “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” We have a good word to share with you in what that scripture calls the gospel of peace, or the good news.

The gospel isn’t good advice to live a moral life, it’s good news about the life of Christ. It’s not about our good works, it’s good news about the work of Christ for us. It’s not about what we can do for God to get to God, it’s about what God has done for us in Christ as the only way to God (John 14:6). The Bible says:

God Is Sovereign Creator. The Bible says we were created by a personal God to love, serve, and enjoy endless fellowship with Him. Therefore, He also owns and rules everything (Psalm 103:19). That means He has authority over our lives and we owe Him absolute allegiance, obedience, and worship.

God Is Holy. God is absolutely and perfectly holy (Isaiah 6:3); therefore He cannot commit or approve of evil (James 1:13). God requires holiness of us as well, “… be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

Mankind Is Sinful. According to Scripture, everyone is guilty of sin: There is no man who does not sin (1 Kings 8:46). That doesn't mean we're incapable of performing acts of human kindness. But we're utterly incapable of understanding, loving, or pleasing God on our own (Romans 3:10-12).

Sin Demands a Penalty, God's holiness and justice demand that all sin be punished by death (Ezekiel 18:4). That's why simply changing our patterns of behavior can't solve our sin problem or eliminate its consequences.

Jesus Is Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” Even though God's justice demands death for sin, His love has provided a Savior who paid the penalty and died for sinners (1 Peter 3:18). Christ's death satisfied the demands of God's justice, and Christ's perfect life satisfied the demands of God's holiness (2 Corinthians 5:21), thereby enabling Him to forgive and save those who place their faith in Him (Romans 3:26).

How can I know I have peace with God? Romans 5:1 says “by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” But it isn't enough to believe certain facts about Christ. Even demons believe in the true God (James 2:19) True faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin (Mark 1:15, Acts 20:21). Repentance is agreeing with God that you are sinful, confessing your sins to Him, and making a conscious choice to turn from sin (1 Thessalonians 1:9, Acts 3:19), pursue Christ (Matthew 11:28-30; John 17:3), and follow Him in obedience (1 John 2:3). Our church would love to help you turn to Him.

GCBC is committed to live out and give out this gospel. If you’d like to learn more about the good news, please contact Corey Millican, our pastor over outreach, by email (pastorcorey@goldcountrybaptist.org) or phone (509-953-3614). For more gospel resources, you can also visit our website: www.gcb.church