AMBASSADORS
FOR CHRIST
II
Corinthians 5:16-21
When nations are at peace with one another, they represent their goodwill by the presence of ambassadors. An ambassador represents one country in another country. More specifically, an ambassador represents the heads of state of one country in another country. At long as nations are at least on speaking terms with each other there will be the presence of ambassadors. When a nation intends to declare war or establish sanctions on another country, that nation calls home its ambassadors. In the New Testament the Greek word for ambassador is used for the emperor’s personal representative or legate. The Bible calls Christians “ambassadors for Christ” (11 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20). As such the church represents heaven on earth. More specifically we represent the HEAD of our country: JESUS CHRIST, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS to this world. We are here on a mission of peace. Jesus made peace by the blood of His cross (Colossians 1:20). Now He has sent a peace envoy, a heavenly attaché, ambassadors, if you please – to the world. However, there are two prerequisites for ambassadors:
THE PREPARATION FOR OUR AMBASSADORSHIP (vs. 16 – 18)
If we are to be an ambassador for Christ, we must have a new perspective:
Of the world (v. 16) - The believer’s view of man must be Christ’s view of man in contrast to how men regard men. Sometimes men regard others as defensively, as a threat, selfish, competitive with jealously with envy, strife and prejudice. All of these viewpoints come from a fallen perspective. When a person becomes a Christian he has the potential to see life in a totally different light. He begins to see life not as a threat but as a challenge – people with souls for whom Christ died. You gradually learn to love men, knowing what they are. Worldly standards and distinctions of race and class are no longer an issue with the Apostle Paul in this passage. Do we see men in this way?
And of Christ – Paul once regarded Jesus Christ according to the standards of this distorted world. Now he sees Him in a totally different light – (see Acts 9:4 for the beginning of this new perspective). How do we see Christ?
• If any man –This is a universal invitation given to the entire human race.
• If any man is in Christ –This is where the difference lies. The issue is not the degree of goodness or badness of your conduct – rather if you are in Christ or not. The basic difference between a believer and an unbeliever is position before God. (The “in Christ” concept is a term expressing the saving connection between God and His people.)
• If any man be in Christ he is a new creation – If you are in Christ what does God say you are? A new creation. See Ephesians 2:8-10 for explanation. The Greek word for new means “new in kind or quality.” This new creation is brought about by the mighty power of God. It is called a creation. What makes us a new creation? Being in Christ our Living Head.
• Old things have passed – “Old” is that which comes from an earlier time. The aorist tense in Greek indicates finality - old opinions, views, plans desires, principals, affections - our entire previous priority system.
• All things have become new - The Greek word for “become” indicates a continuing state or condition. The believer has been severed from the old life once and for all. You are now continuing and eternally connected with the new: A completely new priority system. (See Romans 6:4 and Ephesians 4:22-24 where there is a daily process of “putting off the old man” and “putting on the new man.”)
• All things are of God - The entire change of which Paul has been speaking comes from God.
• Who has reconciled us to God through Jesus Christ - Reconcile means to bring about a complete change. The sin barrier between God and man has been removed. God alone effects this reconciliation.
We will conclude this message in our next pen pulpit. Until then remember that you are an ambassador for the Lord of the Universe. God bless and have a great 2004