Ambassadors in the Kingdom of God
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 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" (2 Corinthians 5:17-19).
"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. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:20- 21)
The New Testament has material about being an ambassador. The apostle Paul than any other disciple of Jesus. His zeal, knowledge, activity, and sacrifice set him apart as an exceptional example of Christian living. Paul’s love and devotion to fellow members of the body of Christ is a template for all who follow Jesus. Paul’s public ministry was the key that unlocked a great gathering of elect from among the Gentiles. Paul’s exemplary ambassadorship of the heavenly kingdom, as well as his instruction to the early church, is finely detailed in the book of Acts.
An "ambassador" in Dictionary means a diplomatic official of the highest rank sent by a government to represent it on a temporary mission, as for negotiating a treaty or matters. But in the spiritual realm, the name of the "spiritual diplomatic representative" is: ambassador for Christ. Listen, as faithful, on-fire, pure-hearted believers in Jesus Christ, we will have the necessary character-qualities that will qualify us to be trustworthy ambassadors. Not for an earthly kingdom or government, but for God's eternal purposes concerning His Kingdom. Why? So that people are reconciled to God, they are saved from their sins, that they "might become the righteousness of God in Him."
The word apostle means “one sent forth.” Synonyms might be representative or delegate, and even ambassador. Paul referred to himself as an “ambassador in chains” (Ephesians 6:20). This is hardly the view we take of diplomatic ambassadors today. But Paul does not say this to elicit pity. Rather he tells the church not to lose heart over what he is suffering because it is for the church’s glory. Truly he was a great ambassador!
Consequently, we can learn from Paul’s wonderful example of ambassadorship and demonstrate, as he did, a ministry of reconciliation now. Our Christ-like behaviour in this world brings a certain amount of help and healing to the world that needs deliverance. “A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. Proverbs 13:17;
In biblical days, the role of an ambassador was somewhat different than today, and more critical due to different communication methods. Today an ambassador can contact his country with urgent questions or vital issues and receive quick instruction on critical matters. In ancient times, however, an ambassador made decisions by himself. Consequently, the selection of an ambassador by a king had to be done with great care. The candidate had to know well the mind and heart of his ruler. He had to know the plans and purposes of his king. He had to be skilful in presenting himself as though he were the monarch himself. The ultimate purpose of an ambassador in any day is to foster a good relationship between the government represented and the people of the host country and its rulers.
Importantly, an ambassador is a citizen of another country. Paul made this clear in his own case and for those who are accepted of God and begotten of the holy spirit: “ For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Philippians 3:20; “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” Colossians 1:13;
Paul in his world represented God and Christ in his world. Both his words and actions in the presence of rulers and ordinary people reflected those of his heavenly king. His pastoral counsel brought untold numbers into a relationship with God through Christ Jesus. Consider the characteristics of an ideal ambassador and how Paul reflected them in his ministry.
Qualifications of an Ambassador
Before you ever become an ambassador for God, you must know the kingdom of Heaven, and the kingdom of God. You most have knowledge of its forces, its might, its armour, its universal position (Heb.12:22-23, Heb.13:14, Rev.21:10-24) God will not let you represent His kingdom until you know His kingdom. This requires study and experience. To be an ambassador in the kingdom of God requires a personal knowledge of the king. (Jesus)
An ambassador must have credentials. This tells us that we have to be called to be an ambassador… prepared to be an ambassador… and sent forth with a commission by God as an ambassador. You can't decide on your own. Also… as an ambassador, you must be received by the people to whom you are sent… there must be an agreement between the two nations. Too many Christians never wait until they are endued with power. Paul says, "Ye are my epistles," It is important that the ambassador that represents Christ be filled with Christ's word, fruits and gifts.
An ambassador has authority. He is under the authority of his government, yet he has the authority of that government. An ambassador must know the principles of authority. He has a rule or a covering over him… which is his government. These same principles apply to the ambassadors of the kingdom of God. If we are not under the covering of a church body we will get into trouble. Every ambassador in the kingdom of God must submit to those who rule over him. (John 1:12, Mark 3:14, Rom.10:9-10, Psalm 149:7, Matthew 28:18, Heb.13:7, 17) These verses speak of authority. We must remember that an ambassador speaks with authority because he is speaking the words of his government. He speaks with faith and with wisdom.
An ambassador has a task. It is not to move among the common people. He moves in "high places, with "governments". An ambassador in the kingdom of God also deals with governments and principalities and powers. (Ephesians 6:12) He wrestles, and binds the strong, he deals with Satan's highest authorities and brings the devil's authorities into line. An ambassador must be prepared to stand alone against the will of the devil's kingdom. He is there representing the kingdom of God. He must confront seducing spirits and false doctrines. He contends for the faith of the kingdom of God.
An ambassador listens carefully to both those in his host country and his own country to fully understand their needs and situation. When there is conflict or disagreement, he will seek to bring about mutual understanding. Even as a prisoner Paul’s patience marked his demeanour and submission to providential experiences. Paul in his dealings with rulers sought to bring about mutual understanding concerning the truth.
This is no small Thing! Do we get this?
I mean, do we actually realize what an honor it is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ as His ambassador--the highest ranking spiritual representative! Being an ambassador is a high calling. He is often a mediator, a peacemaker and committed to the word of reconciliation.
Can you meet these standards?
- Do you know the kingdom of God?
- Are you able to deal with the wicked powers of the kingdom of darkness?
- Do you understand the message of the kingdom of God and can you present that message with wisdom and convincing power?
- Are you under authority?
- Do you Have authority?
- Have you prepared yourself for prayer and study?
- Has the Lord commissioned you?
Sometimes we must face some hard questions as to our motives in wanting to be an ambassador. But everything is provided for the ambassador. He does not worry for his provision, for his family and even for his debts, if he has. Before he is sent out, the government makes sure that his debt is cleared out. Because once the people of another country where he would be assigned learn that he has an outstanding debt, the reputation of the one who sent him will be tarnished.
The ambassador is never affected by economic crisis where he is assigned because his provision does not come from that place but from the country that sent him. The same with the ambassador of heaven – he does not have to worry about the economic crisis on earth because the provision does not come from here but from heaven. Thus, the ambassador is a worry-free person, a fearless person and a person full of confidence.
For addition information and understandings of the subject Ambassadors in Kingdom of God
please see my book
“Spiritual Warfare”
www.clmpublication.info
