SCRIPTURAL prophecies led the ancient Hebrews to hope for a Messiah who should redeem them from all evil; and Scriptural promises increased the expectations of those who looked for the anointed one. When Jesus was born, the prophecies and promises were summarized in the angelic words, "On earth peace, good will toward men."
During his three years of public ministry, Jesus' works multiplied evidence that those hopes and expectations were well founded. Toward the close of his ministry he reaffirmed, as actual and continuous, the effects that had been foretold of the mission of the expected Messiah, saying, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." When he added, "Not as the world giveth, give I unto you," he pointed away from any supposed human ability to give peace, and directed attention to the power of the Christ to bestow harmony.
Christ Jesus, conscious that his revelation and demonstration were fulfilling prophecy, looked beyond his own works to that period in human progress when the Comforter, "the Spirit of truth," should "guide ... into all truth." In guiding "into all truth," the Comforter could confidently be expected to establish peace wherever "the Spirit of truth" was accepted, entertained, and obeyed. It follows that those who receive the Christ, Truth, are entitled to harmony. According to God's decree, peace accompanies the appearing of the Christ.
