The story of the birth of Jesus is a story of great news and much celebration, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
It is story of celebration because in this way the Prince of Peace entered our world – the only One who can give us peace. As Jesus later said, “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you.” It is not an overstatement to say that the whole reason Jesus came to die for us on the cross is that He might establish a lasting and eternal peace for us. Yet for all the peace Jesus does give us, He does not come to give peace to the system we are under. In fact, He said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
The paradox of that comment is underwritten by the rest of Scripture. On the one hand Jesus is obviously about the work of salvation, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” On the other hand, Jesus is also obviously about a destructive work. 1 John 3 says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”
To this the Scripture testifies, “…the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.” And, “Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.” Indeed, the heavenly beings worship God in glory for it, saying, “The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great— and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”
So there is peace – much peace – for those on whom God’s favor rests. There is great peace for all those who repent of their wickedness and turn and call on His Name. Both Old and New Testaments affirm, “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
But on those who refuse to repent – on those who refuse to turn from their wicked ways and deny the King of Kings His rightful place in their lives – to them comes destruction. Not mere frustration or a significant setback, but total destruction. And destruction by the very One who was sent to save them, no less.
On the last day, Jesus Christ will be glorified in us on account of what we have become by his grace, and we will be glorified in him on account of what he has done for us.
D.A. Carson
APPLICATION: Intentionality
In light of the coming end, we must do all we can to reach all we can. Who are you speaking to about salvation in Christ?