Ambassadors of Reconciliation: Transformed by Truth
Introduction:
Today, we immerse ourselves in the transformative truth found in 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (NLT), a passage that paints a vivid picture of believers as ambassadors of reconciliation. As we unpack these verses, may our hearts be receptive to the transformative power of living in the truth of God's Word.
For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
Point 1: The Ministry of Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:19a (NLT) "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself..."
Exegesis: The apostle Paul begins by emphasising the divine initiative in reconciliation. God, through Christ, took the decisive step to reconcile the world to Himself. This act of reconciliation is not merely the cessation of hostility but the restoration of a broken relationship, bringing humanity back into communion with the Creator.
A.W. Tozer reflects on the significance of reconciliation, stating, "Reconciliation means bringing into agreement that which was out of harmony. It means changing or making a change in the relationship of two parties who were at variance."
Colossians 1:20 (NLT) - "and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross."
Point 2: Entrusted with the Message
2 Corinthians 5:19b (NLT) "...no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation."
The transformative truth continues as Paul emphasises that God no longer counts people's sins against them. This profound shift in perspective accompanies the commissioning of believers with the "wonderful message of reconciliation." As ambassadors, we carry the message that sin no longer separates us from God.
Billy Graham speaks to the importance of the message, saying, "The message of the cross is the power of God to break the chains of sin, to forge a link between earth and heaven, to change our character and destiny forever."
Romans 5:10 (NLT) - "For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son."
Point 3: Ambassadors for Christ
2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) "So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, 'Come back to God!'"
The passage culminates in the transformative truth that believers are Christ's ambassadors. We are not merely messengers but representatives of the King, entrusted with the divine appeal for reconciliation. Our role is to earnestly plead with others to "come back to God."
Charles H. Spurgeon underscores the significance of our role as ambassadors, saying, "We are Christ’s representatives. In the name of the King, we entreat rebels to be reconciled."
Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 6:20 (NLT) - "I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should."
Conclusion:
2 Corinthians 5:19-20 reveals the transformative truth of the ministry of reconciliation, the entrustment with the message, and the role of believers as ambassadors for Christ. As we live in the light of this truth, may our lives reflect the urgency and passion of ambassadors pleading with the world to be reconciled to God.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ empower us to be faithful ambassadors of reconciliation. Amen.
