Ambassadors for Reconciliation

Ephesians 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.  10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

(Observations) God, out of His love and mercy, rescued transgressors against Him through Jesus Christ.  This rescue from death is undeserved.  It is a gift to those who will believe. We who are “saved, through faith” have “good works” prepared by God “in advance for us to do.”

(Interpretation) God’s rescue of transgressors from the death they deserve to eternal life with Him in heaven by faith in His Son Jesus Christ does not transport the new believer immediately to heaven.  I suggest to you that God’s purpose for the new believer includes “good works” that are to be revealed as the believer lives out the rest of his life on earth.  Further, I suggest that these “good works” include the sharing of the good news about Jesus Christ as He presents opportunities “prepared in advance for us to do.”

(Cross-reference) 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come… 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so, that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

(Application) I am saved, by His grace, for His work, for His glory.

What do you think? Based on the passages above, are you appointed “Christ’s ambassador?” If so, are you imploring the unbelievers God brings across your path to “be reconciled to God.” Or are you an ambassador in name only?

for more article by this author