‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘
II Corinthians 5:20
In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul makes crystal clear the calling and role of every believer as an ambassador for Christ. As members of the body of Christ, we are entrusted with the task of representing Christ and sharing the gospel of the grace of God with others.
This imagery carries significant weight, as it reflects our role in representing and embodying Christ’s message of reconciliation to the world.
An ambassador serves as a representative of their country, carrying the authority and message of the one they represent. As ambassadors for Christ, we bear the responsibility of representing Him to a world that desperately needs to hear the “good news”.
Our calling as ambassadors emphasizes the significance and responsibility of our role in proclaiming the good news of salvation. Through the finished work of the cross, God has already reconciled mankind to Himself. However, this reconciliation cannot be appropriated by individuals unless they hear and believe in the message of salvation.
Referring to Romans 10:13-18, we understand that the process of salvation begins with someone sharing or proclaiming the gospel. As ambassadors for Christ, we have the privilege and obligation to communicate the message of God’s grace and His redemptive work in Christ.
Romans 10:13-18
‘For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “ Lord , who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.”’
Additionally, the response of the hearer is crucial. Salvation is received by faith alone. Those who hear the gospel message have the opportunity to believe in it, trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross as the means of their reconciliation with God.
Takeaway
Therefore, as ambassadors for Christ, we are commissioned to fulfill our calling diligently. We are to boldly proclaim the gospel, demonstrating God’s love, mercy, and grace to a world in need of salvation. Our role as ambassadors is not to impose or coerce but to faithfully share the truth, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those who hear, leading them to believe and receive the gift of salvation.
Let us embrace our calling as ambassadors for Christ, driven by love and compelled by the urgency of sharing the gospel of the grace of God. May we faithfully proclaim the message of reconciliation, knowing that through our testimony and obedience, individuals can encounter the transformative power of God’s grace and experience eternal reconciliation with Him.
100% Unashamed of the gospel of grace.
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