AMBASSADORS OF RECONCILIATION

2 Corinthians 5:9 KJV 1900

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

2 Corinthians 5:15 KJV 1900

And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV 1900

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

In these Scriptures we learn why every Christian should be a faithful and fruitful ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Five highly desired traits for an ambassador are: being reliable, possessing a positive attitude, being skilled at conversation, being able to enjoy talking to strangers, and being able to think on your feet

We labor for God’s acceptance not God’s Salvation

This acceptance is not for salvation but for service and rewards.

Note the word “accepted” in 2Corinthians 5:9 vs Ephesians 1:6

2 Corinthians 5:9 KJV 1900

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

Ephesians 1:6–7 KJV 1900

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

The difference between these two is “of” verses “in”.

Therefore it is one thing to be saved by grace without service, because of the cross of Jesus Christ and it is totally different to be rewarded for faithful serving God in the name of Jesus Christ.

Therefore we should be as 1Corinthians 15:58 states

1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV 1900

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Because as 1Corinthians 3:13 states

1 Corinthians 3:13 KJV 1900

Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

Accepted in II Corinthians 5:9 is “WELL PLEASING” in Philippians 4:18

Philippians 4:18 KJV 1900

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

We should be faithful soul winners because we desire to be accepted at the judgment seat.

Because we will appear before the judgment seat of Christ

2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV 1900

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

and we will receive praise if we have done well.

1 Corinthians 4:1–5 KJV 1900

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

So we should do everything especially soul-winning heartily as to the Lord.

Colossians 3:23–25 KJV 1900

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

There is no reason (or call for that matter) to sit around gain knowledge and compare diplomas.

Romans 14:8–10 KJV 1900

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

What a day that will be for those who have been faithful ambassadors of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:11–15 KJV 1900

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

As Christians we should be faithful ambassadors with the ministry of reconciliation, because

We know the terror of the Lord

The love of Christ constraineth us

Because Christ died and rose again and we died with Him therefore we should not live to please ourselves, but to please Christ Who died for us.

Paul says ceased not

Acts 20:31 KJV 1900

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

In the last two verses of 1Corinthians 6 we are told we are bought with great price to fulfill a great duty

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 KJV 1900

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Christ says we will be rewarded because it does noting for us to tell others of Christ, but it does something for God.

Luke 14:14 KJV 1900

And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Our labor is not in vain in the Lord.

You have never witnessed

1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV 1900

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

We will surely receive our just reward

1 Corinthians 3:14 KJV 1900

If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Which is the those we have had the privilege of leading to the Lord in his presence.

1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 KJV 1900

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.

Philippians 4:1 KJV 1900

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

Perhaps the Lord Jesus Christ at the judgment seat will give the crown of joy or rejoicing to faithful and fruitful ambassadoes/soulwinning.

U. S. ambassadors are called “ambassadors extraordinary” - “ministers plenipotentiary” (full of power).

Our task is great compared to theirs.

Ephesians 1:19–20 KJV 1900

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

As Christians, “we are labourers together with God.”

We should take our task seriously in light of

Romans 10:14–15 KJV 1900

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, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

There is great wisdom in pointing other’s to Christ.

Daniel 12:3 KJV 1900

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

We can have a part in saving a soul from death and Hell.

James 5:20 KJV 1900

Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

We are Ambassadors in the Ministry of Reconciliation lets be faithful consistent effective Ambassadors.

2 Corinthians 5:16–21 KJV 1900

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.