Monday, July 11, 2016

What is an Ambassador for Christ?

World English Dictionary defines “ambassador” as: 1. short for ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary; a diplomatic minister of the highest rank, accredited as permanent representative to another country or sovereign 2. ambassador extraordinary a diplomatic minister of the highest rank sent on a special mission 3. ambassador plenipotentiary a diplomatic minister of the first rank with treaty-signing powers.

This definition truly describes us as an ambassador for Christ.

Jesus sent the church on a special mission when He said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Jesus gave the church treaty-signing powers when He said, “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” (John 20:23)

On the day of Pentecost, the church began its mission and used its treaty-signing powers when the 3000 received Peter's gospel message and were baptized in Jesus name. There was a treaty made: they were reconciled to God by baptism in Jesus name.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ... Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:38, 41 KJV

"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." - 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 KJV




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