Had not man been in rebellion against God, there would have been no need for “the counsel of peace.” Adam, in paradise needed it not. But man has rebelled; and though its manifestations may be various, rebellion against God is still the characteristic of the unconverted heart. Such was his rebellion that peace between man and God seemed impossible; but now—wondrous grace!—we see that there is not only peace, but a “counsel of peace,” thoughts of God concerning peace, thoughts which Jesus alone could meet.

Supposing God had made peace with Adam, the peace could not have lasted; the enmity in the heart of man, or that produced by the power of circumstances thwarting his will, would very soon have broken it again. Look at Israel. They were placed in outward peace with God, owned as His people, favored in every way, and yet what was the result? Continual murmuring on their part; constant rebellion. As to moral peace with God, they had scarcely undertaken to keep His law when they set up a golden calf to worship, and thus failed directly. And it would always be the same: it must be so, for the very will of man is altogether wrong. “The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be” (Rom. 8:7).

But now “the counsel of peace” is between God and Jesus, instead of man, and hence there is security. It is not merely peace, but “the counsel of peace.” The word counsel implies deliberate purpose. What solidity must there be in that peace which God had a counsel about, and all the engagements of which the mind of Jesus fully entered into and accomplished!