Ambassadors of Christ

Paul sees himself and his fellow workers as “ambassadors for Christ.” He says that it is as though God were making an appeal through them. What Paul implores on behalf of Christ is, “be reconciled to God.” (1) Reconciliation with God is an accomplished fact, initiated by God and already completed through the cross of Christ. (2) However, it is also something that will not be realized in a person’s life unless the one who hears the message of reconciliation personally accepts it. (3) In that sense, reconciliation with God is both a past reality and an ongoing present reality. The reason reconciliation with God was accomplished is that God made Him who knew no sin (Christ) to be sin on our behalf. In what sense, then, was Christ made sin? Let us consider this in three points. (1) Christ was born in the likeness of sinners and lived His earthly life. Here we see the sacrifice of Christ, who gave up His glory in heaven. (2) Christ became a sacrifice to atone for sin. The sacrifices of the Old Testament foreshadowed Christ. (3) All of God’s judgment and wrath against sinners were poured out upon Christ on the cross. Therefore, we have been set free from God’s judgment. Let us meditate on these three points. Here, the love of God is revealed.

The favorable time

Next, Paul confirms how important the present time is, while the grace of reconciliation is being offered, by quoting Isaiah 49:8. (1) “Not to receive the grace of God in vain” means not showing interest in a different gospel. It also means not allowing an inconsistency to arise between faith and conduct. Those who have accepted God’s reconciliation should come to desire to live a life that is pleasing to God. If that is not the case, it means that they are receiving the grace of God in vain. (2) “Behold, now is ‘a favorable time,’ behold, now is ‘a day of salvation’” means that the Church Age is the “Age of Grace,” a time in which the proclamation of the gospel is permitted. This age will not continue forever, but will come to an end with the return of Christ. Let us make the decision to make the most of this day and walk accordingly.