As we remember those who have fallen in war, we are reminded of the great cost at which peace is purchased. A peace which is temporal and fragile.

Yet there is an even greater peace which can be obtained. For, in our sinful state, we are at war with God, our creator and sustainer. We have rebelled against his very being, refusing to give him the glory he is due. While we may have temporal peace (and even this isn’t always the case), our souls long for a deeper peace, a peace with God. Of ourselves, we cannot obtain this peace, and a just God cannot overlook our rebellion. However, God is also merciful, and in his grace has sent his Son to take on the wrath our sin deserved that we might be saved from this punishment, and that we might take on his righteousness through faith in him.

For when we consider the cost of our salvation, the mind boggles. This is the sacrifice of God for man, that we might be right with God, that we might know God, that we might be at peace with God.

It is only through knowing God that true peace can be obtained, not just spiritually, but completely. It removes all barriers between people, only by making us clones, but in our diversity being made one. When, in the book of Revelation, John sees the great multitude worshipping the Lamb, he is able to distinguish people of every nation, tribe and tongue.

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no-one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Rev 7:9,10

All those who trust in Jesus Christ for salvation are one in him, so that in a way, there is no Jew or Gentile. For when we are reconciled with God, we are also reconciled with one another. Again, Revelation gives us a glimpse of the new heavens and the new earth, where war and suffering will be no more.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev 21:1-4