Christ's Ambassadors: Reconcilers Between Heaven and Earth

"Now, then, we are ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20). The gospel ministry operates as God's appointed means for reconciling sinners to Him. This office implies six profound truths.

First, the very existence of Christian ambassadors testifies to humanity's defection from friendship with God. As one seventeenth-century divine observed, if no war existed with heaven, what need would there be for ambassadors of peace? The ministry itself becomes argument of the Fall.

Second, God's willingness to treat with sinners through ambassadors reveals His singular grace and admirable condescension. He remains no longer in this world to negotiate personally with rebels; instead, He sends His ministers as vicegerents, acting in Christ's stead through "humble, sweet, and condescending entreaties."

Third, that God should be reconciled after such dreadful breach as man's fall is wonderful. No sin, compared rightly, resembles this catastrophe—while particular sins kill like single bullets, Adam's transgression cuts off multitudes like chain-shot through an army.

Fourth, that Elohim should be wholly reconciled to fallen men rather than to angels—that more excellent order of creatures—proves yet more astonishing. Finally, that God remains utterly reconciled, with no fury remaining against us (Isaiah 27:4), stands as perpetual wonder.

Ministerial faithfulness becomes therefore not optional but strictly obligatory. The removal of the gospel ministry presages ensuing judgment.