The Prince of Peace is coming; God has a kingdom plan.
As King and Judge He’s coming; Christ the Son of man.
The whole creation’s groaning; creatures strive and rage:
God’s own Word assures us of the coming golden age.

The coming King of Glory will make all wars to cease.
Instead of strife and violence, He’ll bring a reign of peace.
The Lord will save His Nation, restore and heal and bless,
In the time of Jacob’s trouble, the time of world distress.

There’ll be great signs in heaven, great sorrows here on earth;
War and tribulation and pestilence and dearth.
The man of sin deceiving with miracle and sign,
Will rule with mighty power; will be worshipped as divine

With the other beast of Satan in political control
It will be his mark, or vengeance, for every living soul.
At this time of tribulation, to this earth with all its woes.
The Lord will come in judgment and conquer all His foes.

And then the King of Glory shall begin His earthly reign;
We have the words of Jesus, “I’ll go and come again”.
Peace and plenty is God’s promise, this reign of Christ will bring
No war, no want, no sorrow, when Jesus reigns as King.

His peace and righteous kingdom shall continue to increase,
And on the throne of David He’ll reign as Prince of Peace.
But before this earthly glory, yea, before the darkest days,
The blessed Lord is coming the dead in Christ to raise.

In resurrection bodies, these with saints still here,
Shall be caught away to heaven, in glory to appear.
Death may overtake us, but our hope is not to die;
But be changed at Christ’s appearing, in the twinkling of an eye.

Of that transforming moment, we’re told in God’s own Book
And for that hope so blessed, the redeemed should ever look.
To reign with Christ in glory, is God’s promise of reward
If we suffer while we’re waiting, if we suffer for the Lord.

It will mean to miss earth’s sorrows in the coming day of wrath;
How blessed then believers, who chose God’s righteous path!
Oh what bliss eternal for sinners saved by grace!
No death, no sin, no sickness, when we behold His face.

Above with Christ the Saviour where joy shall never cease
This the great salvation in the gospel of His peace.
Because the Lord of glory went to Calvary’s tree;
Because He suffered there for sinners; died for you and me.

Christ’s death is unavailing and His sacrifice for naught,
If you reject God’s mercy, the redemption Christ hath wrought
Then why despise God’s goodness and choose eternal grief,
Why neglect the great salvation and die in unbelief?

“More battle-ships, more fighting air-planes, more deadly explosives, more poisonous gases, and more trained men to handle these weapons of death and destruction,” is the slogan and war program of the big nations of the world, including the so-called Christian nations. Some of them might truthfully say, “with us it is only a matter of self-defense, protection and preservation.”

Is our present civilization hastening on to the days which the greatest of all prophets foretold in Luke 21:25 to 27?

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power send great glory.”

What is ahead of us? As to the future of world affairs there are very few optimistic statesmen. Many of them are of the opinion that ambitious dictators are not only covetous beyond any consideration for others but that they are controlled by such an insane ego that they will send their own countrymen by the wholesale, to slaughter and to be slaughtered. With them human life means nothing. Let us remember that Satan is a murderer from the beginning and that these men are controlled by him whom Christ called, “the prince of this world.”

It was Christ, when speaking of these bloody conflicts and even worse sorrows, which are yet to come on the earth, Who said, “see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass.” Matthew 24:6.

We have often heard that the darkest hour is just before dawn; and if we want the only reliable information as to the future of world affairs, let us believe II Peter 1:19: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”

In that same Epistle we read: “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same Word are kept in store reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” II Peter 3:7 to 9.

Let us bear in mind that Satan, the prince of this world, who is likewise called “the god of this world (age)”, is a usurper on the throne. Before the end of his reign such universal war will prevail that the Scriptures declare that peace will be taken from the earth. Revelation 6:3 and 4. What will bring an end to Satan’s reign of terror? The coming of the Son of man. The coming of the Prince of Peace. And then what? Hear the more sure Word of prophecy

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is give: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6 and 7.

In this message we shall show from the Scriptures that all who have peace with God, through Jesus Christ, will not be on earth when the real dark hours just before the dawn arrive.

The only hope of peace on earth and goodwill toward men is the coming of the Prince of Peace. For God’s people these are “waiting” days; but during these “waiting” days remember the words of the Lord Jesus, spoken to His disciples who were troubled because of the outlook: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Lest not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27.

“And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.

The Bible has much to say about peace. The word “peace” is found 416 times in the Bible. God is called “the God of Peace.” God’s Son is called “the Prince of Peace.” God’s message by which men are now saved is called “the Gospel of peace.”

Isaiah 9:6 and 7

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, THE PRINCE OF PEACE.

Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.”

Hebrews 13:20 and 21.

“Now the GOD OF PEACE, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory for ever and ever.”

Romans 10:13 to 15.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach us the GOSPEL OF PEACE, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Every Christmas, religious people read in the Bible the story of the shepherds who kept their flocks by night and heard heavenly messengers sing, “Peace on earth.” “Good will toward men.” But when they look at the headlines of the daily newspapers, describing the controversies and conflicts among the nations, they decide that “peace on earth” is only an empty dream. Where is the good will toward men?

Then again, as we turn from “the Peace on earth”, in Luke 2:14, to the words of “the Prince of Peace”, in Luke 12:49 to 51, we say, “What a contradiction!”

Luke 12:49 to 52.

“I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division. For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.”

The emphasis should here be placed on the word “henceforth”. There is here suggested a radical change in the Lord’s purpose and program.

Note the question of the Lord Jesus and His negative answer. “Peace on earth?” — “Nay — division.” Not even peace in the household: not in the family; to say nothing of peace in the community, city, nation, or world.

But did not the infallible “God of Peace” tell His heavenly messengers to proclaim to the shepherds that the birth of His Son in the city of David meant peace on earth? Most assuredly. But peace on earth meant Christ on the throne of David. Universal peace will prevail when Isaiah 9:6 and 7 is fulfilled.—The Prince of Peace—with the government on His shoulder, will then sit on the throne of David. Therefore, world peace will begin in the city where David’s throne once was, and where it will be again established. Therefore, God instructs men to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” Psalm 22:16.

Note carefully the lamentation of the Prince of Peace when He beheld Jerusalem after His own people had disowned Him as their Messiah and Deliverer.

Luke 19:41 to 44.

“And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy PEACE! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.”

And note again Luke 13:34 and 35.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is He That cometh in the name of the Lord.”

Some day the Prince of Peace is coming back to Israel. Have you read Revelation 1:7 and, Zechariah 12:10?

Revelation 1:7.

“Behold He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so. Amen.”

Zechariah 12:10.

“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they shall look upon Me Whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him as one mourneth for His only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”

Also read these other verses found in Zechariah.

Zechariah 8:15:

“So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: fear ye not.”

Zechariah 8:8:

“And I wall bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, in truth and .in righteousness.”

Thus we see that the Lord has something in store for Israel.

We learn, by reading Ezekiel 36:24 and 22, just why God will redeem and regather Israel.

Ezekiel 36:24 and 22.

“For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and I will bring you into your own land.”

“Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for Mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.”

In Romans 11:25 to 30 we are told that God will redeem His ancient people, because His gifts and calling are without repentance, because He made an oath to Abraham, because “this is My Covenant when I shall take away their sins.”

Yes, there is to be an actual literal fulfillment of Isaiah 9:6 and 7 concerning the Prince of Peace on David’s throne.

When Gabriel announced the first Christmas, what did He say to Mary? “Fear not Mary: for thou, hath found favour with God, and behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God SHALL GIVE UNTO HIM THE THRONE OF HIS FATHER

DAVID: And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end.” Luke 1:30 to 33.

Here we have in very plain language the fact that Christ was born in the city of David, of the seed of David, to take the throne of David and to reign over the house of Israel. Not even a hint that Christ was born to remain in heaven, all of these 1900 years as Head of the Church which is His Body, which Body is the One New Mall made up of Jews and Gentiles saved by grace. Ephesians 1:19 to 22. Ephesians 2:8 to 17. We quote Ephesians 2:15, to 17:

Ephesians 2:15 to 17.

“Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for TO MAKE IN HIMSELF OF TWAIN ONE NEW MAN, SO MAKING PEACE;

And that He might reconcile both unto God in one Body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached PEACE to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.”

God revealed to Gabriel His kingdom purpose for Israel and “peace on earth.” But this is quite different from the peace for individuals which Christ made when He died on the cross. Colossians 1:20. Christ as the Head of the Church which is His Body is quite different from Christ as Prince of Peace on David’s throne.

The Lord Jesus, after His death and resurrection, revealed His eternal purpose to make the One New Man of Ephesians 2:17. God made known the fact that Christ made peace by His death. It is one thing for Christ to be seated where He now is, far above, on the throne of God in the heavenlies, but quite another thing to be seated on David’s throne. For David’s throne Christ was born and for that throne He is yet to return. Luke 1:30. For the cross of Calvary Christ was also born. Hebrews 2:9. When He returns and occupies David’s throne there will be peace on earth. In the meantime believing sinners are at peace with God and may experience the “peace of God”, through faith in Christ who made peace on the cross.

But note in Revelation 6:4, that before the coming of the Prince of Peace something is going to happen: “And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon TO TAKE PEACE FROM THE EARTH, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”

As we take in the international situation today and get a picture of world conditions, it seems that the red horse may appear in the not-far-distant future. But he cannot come on the scene until God has finished with another “PEACE” program which He is carrying on during these days, before the King comes and ushers in the Kingdom, before the answer to that Kingdom prayer: “Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” As to when that Will be Christ Himself tells us in Luke 21. We quote

Luke 21:25, 27, 28 and 31.

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; v. 25.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. v. 27.

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. v. 28.

So likewise ye, when ye see, these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” v. 31.

We shall describe this other “peace” program presently and refer to the words of Romans 10:15: “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach THE GOSPEL OF PEACE and bring glad tidings of good things.”

But just now let us note the words that God sent to the shepherds at the time they heard the heavenly messengers announce “peace on earth.”

Luke 2:10 and 11.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I ring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, Which is Christ the Lord.”

The Greek word translated “good tidings of great joy” is “euaggelion” or “evangel”. This is a form of the same word that is translated in the Bible 74 times “gospel”. Here then we have proclaimed “the gospel of peace” that has to do with David’s throne, Israel’s kingdom and world peace. This is “the kingdom gospel of peace”. This is quite different from “the grace gospel of peace” proclaimed to the nations by Paul who said: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 11:13.

So much misunderstanding and even skepticism, doubt and pessimism have resulted because Christian ministers have not rightly divided the Word of truth and distinguished between the kingdom gospel for Israel and, the grace gospel for individual Gentiles and individual Jews. How important it is to know and proclaim this difference. How many political blunders might have been avoided by statesmen, if they had only been taught God’s Word, rightly divided, by the infallible Holy Spirit, instead of following preachers who have confused and mixed God’s kingdom program with His spiritual program for the Church, which is Christ’s Body. God’s spiritual program, during this present parenthetical period, while the glorious kingdom of heaven is in abeyance, is a program of grace, a period during which the Body of Christ is being completed. Bible-taught Christians know that they are already in the Kingdom of the Son of God’s love (Colossians 1:12 to 14) and that they are not bringing in the kingdom or bringing back the King. Our citizenship is in heaven and we are waiting for the Lord of glory before He comes to be King, before the events of the darkest days preceding the setting-up of His glorious earthly kingdom.

The rulers of God’s own holy nation made their choice; they demanded the release of Barabbas, the murderer, and the blood the Son of God.

“Whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you and killed the Prince of Life.” Acts 3:13 to 15.

The universal reign of peace will come when the Prince of Peace comes. Some months after He was raised from the dead, the Lord sent His messenger to Israel with this message: “Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31. But as the rulers of Israel, before the death of Christ, had said, “we will not have this man to reign over us”, these same rulers again rejected Him after God had raised Him from the dead. Since that time that kingdom of Christ has been in abeyance, and it still is.

We have observed that when Israel first rejected Christ as King and Messiah, according to Luke 12:49 to 53, He announced that there would be division rather than peace on earth. At that time He said, “I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished.” Luke 12:50. Here the Lord Jesus Christ referred to His death on the cross. There is a great difference between the fulfillment of prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 and 7, which saw “The Prince of Peace” crowned as King, reigning on David’s throne, and many other prophecies, which saw the same Lord, crowned with thorns, and nailed to a tree. Isaiah 53:1 to 10. World peace will be realized when the kingdom prophecy shall be fulfilled.

But another peace was accomplished by the death of the Son of God. That peace is described in Colossians 1:20, which we quote

“And having made PEACE through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” Here we have a very definite statement the Divine truth, that peace with God was actually made for man, by the God-man, when He yielded up the ghost on the cross of Calvary, crying, “finished”.

We quoted another Scripture showing that the God of peace raised from the dead the Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep. In I Corinthians 15:1 to 4, the sinner is told that the death and burial and resurrection of the Son of God is the gospel by which he is saved. This gospel, in Romans 10:15, is called “the gospel of peace.” And in that Scripture we read:

“HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THEM THAT PREACH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE:”

The preaching of this gospel of peace will never bring world peace; but it will bring peace to every individual in the world who will near it and believe it. It is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. The blessedness of those who do believe “the gospel of peace” is told in Romans 5:1: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

After the Lord had told His disciples that He was going to be rejected as King by the rulers of Israel, and that the kingdom would be postponed until they should say, “blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord”, He said to those disciples, “in the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. He also said: “My peace I leave with you, MY PEACE I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” John 14:27.

Then, after His death and resurrection, He stood in their midst when their souls were much troubled, and cried, “Peace be unto you”. Since that day many of the Lord’s saints, who have been troubled, have heard that same message; “Peace be unto you”. And even at the present time, when lawlessness and unrest abound on every hand, the true and faithful saints of the Lord are conscious of “the peace of God that passeth all understanding.”

What a privilege it is to proclaim this glorious gospel of peace, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, recorded in John 3:36, “he that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” Let us not forget Romans 10:13 and 14: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”

Before the child of God can be conscious of the “peace of God that passeth all understanding” he must become the child of God by faith in the crucified Saviour. Therefore being justified by faith, he cart say, “I have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.”

In the midst of the turmoil strife hatred and bloodshed of a world of ungodly sinners, the believer, whose trust is in the crucified and glorified Christ, knowing that this Christ in the presence of God ever lives to make intercession for all blood-redeemed souls, may ever find rest and peace in such a Saviour. He has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” “Casting all your cares upon Him: for lie careth for you.” I Peter 5:7.

Here again God’s purpose during this present evil age is told to us:

Ephesians 2:15 to 17.

“Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for TO MAKE IN HIMSELF OF TWAIN ONE NEW MAN, so making peace;

And that He might reconcile both unto God in one Body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

And came and preached PEACE to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh!”

The next great event in God’s wonderful program is the day of redemption for those who are in Christ. The members of Christ’s Body are to be called to glory. Colossians 3:3 and 4. Then will come the end of the age. “The Times of the Gentiles” will be fulfilled. Luke 21:24. The Lord’s enemies will be taken care of.

II Thessalonians 1:7 to 10.

“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels.

In flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power:

Then He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.”

Then Satan will be made a prisoner. The Prince of Peace will begin His glorious reign. The Prince of Peace is coming, and then note what God’s Book declares will follow:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills: and all nations shall flow into it. And He shall judge among the nations and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgment upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the Lord their God. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it. For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together and the lion shall eat straw like an ox. And the suckling child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord. The wilderness and the solitary places shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as a rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing . . . they shall see the glory of the Lord and the excellency of our God. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Isaiah 2:2 and 4; Ezekiel 28:26; Micah 4:4; Zechariah 8:12; Joel 2:24; Isaiah 11:6 to 9; Isaiah 35:1 and 2; Jeremiah 31:34.

All of this glory is to be on this earth because the Prince of Peace is coming.

For more articles by Pastor J. C. O'Hair, visit the J. C. O'Hair Online Library.