There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked. Isaiah 48:22
It is common in the world that when a person dies, sympathizers would wish the dead R.I.P (Rest in peace). And If you want to be more "spiritual," you will say, may the soul of the deceased Rest In Perfect Peace. I am not sure if those who make such prayers sincerely believe that these wishes add anything worthwhile to the status of the dead. But can there be rest for the soul that had no peace with God before dying? The bible is categorical in saying that there is no rest for the wicked, whether in this life or after this life. When the bible says that a man is wicked, it must be understood what is implied, it means a person who is not at peace with God. So, when a person dies in this state of enmity with God, having rejected His offer of peace through His Son Jesus Christ, there can be no peace for him. Death does not reconcile man's enmity with God, only Christ does.
On the cross, Jesus Christ suffered everything that was needed to make peace with God possible. Isaiah the prophet put it succinctly, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5. Paul the apostle reaffirmed this in Romans 5:1, when he wrote, "therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Besides, it is important to stress that death doesn't confer peace upon the dead as many people assume it does, peace is a gift given by Jesus, and it can only be received by faith expressed in the meritorious death of Jesus Christ on the cross. In John 14:27, Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." When a person has peace with God, the threat of death is scotched, and he can breathe his last, knowing that he is at peace with the judge of the whole world.
Those who have not made peace with God here will have no peace with Him after here, so, the next time you say those words, be reminded that it has no value for the dead, even though it may seem to bring comfort to the mourning. Now is the time to be at peace with God, the wise man will not leave this all important thing to chance, he makes sure that it is settled now and here. What Jesus is to you now will determine whether you will have peace with God in the hereafter. Be wise!
Toni
