“Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” Is.48.18 ESV
Peace and righteousness go hand in hand, which means that if we hold one, we will certainly be held by the other. Both spring from obedience to God and both are the constant companions of it. Judicially, it is not “our” obedience that secures peace with God or the righteousness that is needed to approach Him. Jesus gives this peace and this righteousness as gift secured by His death and life. He gives it freely to all who trust Him. Still, there is a practical side to peace and righteousness, which has everything to do with our obedience. This means that when we walk rightly, peace walks with us. This does not always mean that when we do right, the circumstances around us will be peaceful. If Jesus taught us anything, He taught us that some of the time our circumstances may turn down right hostile because we did what was right. The peace that attends the righteous walk is mainly a good conscience and the smile of His Spirit in our heart. 1/22/2009 ts