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.
For He made Him
who knew no sin to be
sin for us, that
we might become the
righteousness
of God in Him.
2Corinthians 5:20–21
Knowing who
you are is the first step in becoming what you are to be. Paul writing to the
Church at Corinth makes this one thing very clear: we are ambassadors for
Christ. As Ambassadors for Christ we are to be reconciled to God. Why? So that
by the sinless Jesus Christ we “might become the righteousness of God”
and then this; “in Him.” What does ‘reconcile’ mean? The first meaning
of this word is: to cause a person to accept or be resigned to something not
desired.[1]
Is this not true? We do not desire the things of God in our carnality. We do
not have the power to do so for our soul is corrupt through the inheritance of
sin, corruption from our first father, Adam. We attempt in many says to be
autonomous; even after accepting and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. This
is a battle that we fight, and will fight until the day we meet in heaven our
Savior. Reconcile can also mean: to cause to become friendly or peaceable
again.[2]
When we are at odds with others, especially those of the family of God we are
instructed in Matthew 18: 15–18, how we are to become reconciled once again
with those we are at odds with. Reconcile: to compose or settle a quarrel, a
dispute.[3]
Again, the reference for our instruction in this matter found in Matthew 18:15–18.
Reconcile: to bring into agreement or harmony; make compatible or consistent.[4]
Is this not what an ambassador attempts to do and if he/she is successful then
once again there is agreement or harmony and is this not to be found in the
Church of God? Reconcile: to restore to communion in a church.[5]
There in this last statement is what we must do; reconcile, restore to
communion those in our churches. As Christians, we have this responsibility as
ambassadors of Christ to become the image of Jesus Christ and to become the
righteousness “of Him.” Paul writes: “Through Him we have received
grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His
name” (Romans 1:5). STOP! Think on this! We have received grace: this is
unwarranted Grace, not because we have done anything to deserve this Grace, NO!
we receive grace as a child of God, elect, called, enabled, and this reception
of Grace is also a reception for apostleship, (Ambassadors), and this for “Obedience.”
We are not to be autonomous, we are not our own, we belong to God, our
citizenship resides with God, and we are apostles, ambassadors, therefore we
are to be obedient to the faith. Not some outlandish displays of piety, as
found by some claiming that they are doing the work of God, NO! It is by being
obedient to the word of God as found in His commands. We are not, and is not to
be found in Scripture much of what is being said and done; i.e., seeking the
supernatural, calling down heaven, speaking in some ‘gibberish’ tongue, or
running around trying to find someone to heal, or being ‘slain in the spirit,’
none of this things are commanded God’s children in His word. We are God’s
ambassadors. Those types of actions are not obedience to the faith in Jesus
Christ who has redeemed you and given you new life, and grace. As one of His
apostles, that is, the one sent out with a message in regards to the Gospel, we
must not forget this one thing: “among whom you also are the called of Jesus
Christ” (Romans 1:6). God called you! You did not come to believe by your
desire to be saved on your own strength. NO! You are called by God, given the
faith to believe, this when you heard the Gospel you believed and became a
child of God, an ambassador, an apostle, and we are to be obedient as to what
we are called to be; and this in all the nations. Paul then “shuts the door:” “To
all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints” (Romans 1:7). There
it is again, “called.” Called to be “saints.” What does this mean to be a
“saint?” The Greek word, άγιος, means to be separate from common condition and
use, dedicated, hallowed, used of things, and for persons, to be a saint, pure,
righteous, holy. Does this describe your life, the way you live and think? It
should if you are admitting that you are one who has been called by God, an
ambassador, an apostle carrying the good news, the Gospel wherever you go. Paul
ends his opening statements to the Roman Church and this applies to us for this
is God’s revealed word to His children, then and now, and will continue until
Jesus Christ returns for His church: “Grace to you and peace from God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7b).
The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD
make His face
To shine upon you, and be gracious
To you; the
LORD lift up His
Countenance upon you, and give
You peace.
Numbers 6:24–26
Be the image today of Who called you
Richard L. Crumb
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