AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST

Who is an ambassador?

An ambassador is the highest-ranking person who represents his or her own government while living in another country. Let’s look at a scripture verse that talks about this subject:

 

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20 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. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

 

According to 2 Corinthians 5:20, we are Christ’s ambassadors. In other words, we are representing the government of heaven on earth. But in order for us to be Christ’s ambassadors, we need to be citizens of heaven. Verse 17 says that we are a new creation in Christ. Some translations say that we are new creatures in Christ. This means that when we accepted Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior and made a decision to follow Him, our spirit man who was once dead due to trespass became alive in Christ. Someone may ask, this still does not prove your citizenship in heaven. The verse below answers that question. Let’s have a look:

 

Philippians 3:20-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

 

The Apostle Paul makes a very clear point in the above verse; those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; those who have made Him the Lord of their lives; those who have surrendered to His Lordship are citizens of heaven. So here we are; citizens of heaven living on earth. We are representing the king of heaven i.e. Jesus Christ on earth. As ambassadors of the kingdom of heaven, there are certain attributes, characteristics and habits we need to learn, acquire and develop to be effective in representing our Lord. Written below is an Ambassador’s Creed put together by Gregory Koukl from his book Tactics, which will help every Christian Believer to become a better Ambassador for Christ:

 

An ambassador is . . .

Ready. An ambassador is alert for chances to represent Christ and will not back away from a challenge or an opportunity.

Patient. An ambassador won’t quarrel, but will listen in order to understand, then with gentleness will seek to respectfully engage those who disagree.

Reasonable. An ambassador has informed convictions (not just feelings), gives reasons, asks questions, aggressively seeks answers, and will not be stumped by the same challenge twice.

Tactical. An ambassador adapts to each unique person and situation, maneuvering with wisdom to challenge bad thinking, presenting the truth in an understandable and compelling way.

Clear. An ambassador is careful with language and will not rely on Christian lingo nor gain unfair advantage by resorting to empty rhetoric.

Fair. An ambassador is sympathetic and understanding toward others and will acknowledge the merits of contrary views.

Honest. An ambassador is careful with the facts and will not misrepresent another’s view, overstate his own case, or understate the demands of the gospel.

Humble. An ambassador is provisional in his claims, knowing that his understanding of truth is fallible. He will not press a point beyond what his evidence allows.

Attractive. An ambassador will act with grace, kindness, and good manners. He will not dishonor Christ in his conduct.

Dependent. An ambassador knows that effectiveness requires joining his best efforts with God’s power.

 

I hope the above Ambassador’s Creed motivates, encourages, prepares and alerts you for the task which lays ahead.

 

Thank you for reading,

Rhema Bible Church Member

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