Pearls of the Word

(Back to Index)

Righteousness precedes peace

by Jean-Louis Coraboeuf

"Melchizedek to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated 'king of righteousness,' and then also king of Salem, meaning 'king of peace'" (Hebrews 7:2).

Melchizedek is first king of righteousness before being king of peace because there can't be real peace without having first God's righteousness. That is why we must be made righteous by Jesus Christ to receive His peace.

This is because He made us going through the path of His righteousness that the Good Shepherd makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside the still waters (Psalm 23:2-3). Thus before establishing His Kingdom on earth at His second coming, Jesus will have to exercise God's righteousness on men by treading the winepress of the wrath of Almighty God (Revelation 19:15).