“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” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
In keeping with the ministry of reconciliation mentioned in verse nineteen, Paul the Apostle introduced a related concept here in 2 Corinthians 5:20: the idea of God’s people as ambassadors for Christ.
An ambassador is someone who represents another person or nation, or someone who communicates a message on behalf of someone else. While most people are probably familiar with the idea of someone who serves as an international ambassador, the reality is that everyone functions in the role of an ambassador within his or her sphere of influence. In other words, our beliefs and actions serve to represent something to those with whom we interact.
For instance, our circle of influence might include friends, co-workers, family members, business associates, online acquaintances, or others with whom we come into contact. That influence -however small- can influence and impact others in whatever way we choose. The question is, who (or what) do we represent to others?
Those who seek to act as ambassadors for Christ can find their commission within the following paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 5:18-21…
“All these new things are from God who brought us back to himself through what Christ Jesus did. God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into his favor and be reconciled to him. For God was in Christ, restoring the world to himself, no longer counting men’s sins against them but blotting them out. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. We are Christ’s ambassadors…” (TLB).
Contrary to those who view God as a cosmic dictator, the Scriptures tell us that God desires peace and reconciliation between Himself and humanity. In fact, God demonstrated the extent of His desire to establish a relationship of harmony and unity with His creation through Jesus’ death on the cross. The New Testament book of Romans lends further support to this idea when it says, “…since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1 NIV).
A person who fulfills the role of an ambassador for Christ and carries the message of peace with God through Jesus’ sacrificial death not only enjoys the privilege of representing Him but also receives the following assurance from Christ Himself: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:6 ASV).