2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be you reconciled to God. I. WHAT MINISTERS, AS CHRIST'S AMBASSADORS, ARE TO DO IN ORDER TO SINNERS BEING RECONCILED TO GOD. — They are not to be silent, but to speak; and as they are ambassadors of Christ, He should be the principal subject of their ministrations. But more particularly — 1. In order to sinners' reconciliation to God, it is necessary for ministers boldly to declare(1) The natural enmity of their hearts against Him. Every sin is an act of rebellion against God. (2) That though the groundwork of our reconciliation was laid in the eternal counsels of God, yet that it is actually brought about in time (Ephesians 2:13). (a) The law being fulfilled, and justice satisfied in the person of Christ, the offended Deity now says, "Fury is not in Me," This is reconciliation on God's part, with respect to which we have nothing to do but to cordially embrace it. (b) Reconciliation on our part is begun and completed by the grace of the Spirit. He slays the enmity of the heart, subdues the obstinacy of the will, and sanctifies the carnal affections, so that we are made to resign ourselves up to Him as our lawful Sovereign, and at the same time choose Him as our supreme good. 2. Christ's servants are likewise to declare that there is need of a farther reconciliation in those who are already reconciled to God. Be ye particularly reconciled(1) To the absolute sovereignty of God. Deny Him not that right which you yourselves exercise in disposing your favours as you please. (2) To the providences of God, so as neither to quarrel with Him for what He has done, nor prescribe to Him what He shall do. (3) To all the requirements of God. His laws are founded upon the highest reason, as well as enforced by the highest authority. (4) To the methods of Divine grace, and "the way of salvation" by Jesus Christ. Be ye then reconciled to the gospel, as a mystery far above your comprehension: yet a mystery of godliness, the manifest design of which is, to make you more like God, and meet for heaven. 3. Ministers are faithfully to denounce the terrible judgments of God against those who live and die unreconciled to him. They are to tell their hearers that if reconciliation do not take place in this world, it will not in the next. II. THE MANNER IN WHICH MINISTERS THUS TREAT WITH SINNERS ABOUT THEIR RECONCILIATION TO GOD. 1. With a perfect unanimity. However various their gifts and abilities may be, yet the subject of their ministrations is the same. 2. With warmth and affection. We not only direct and exhort, but "we pray you " (Acts 20:31). 3. With spiritual power and authority, "as though God did beseech you by us." 4. With meekness, gentleness, and all the means of persuasion, "We beseech you."Conclusion. — The subject teaches us — 1. The dreadful corruption and depravity of human nature. Nothing worse can be said of the devil than that he is an enemy to God. 2. The necessity of a Divine change; not a change of the conduct only, but of the inward frame and temper of the mind. 3. How much are we indebted to the Lord Jesus Christ, without whom this reconciliation never would, nor ever could have taken place! (B. Beddome, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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