2nd.Corinthians 5:14-20 "For the love of CHRIST constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then we're all dead: and that HE died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto HIM which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known CHRIST after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we HIM no more.
Therefore if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of GOD, WHO hath reconciled us to HIMSELF by JESUS CHRIST, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that GOD was in CHRIST, reconciling the world unto HIMSELF, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the WORD of reconciliation. 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."
As believers in JESUS CHRIST and as part of HIS body, the church, we are "new creatures" in CHRIST (v.17) who have a new calling: to live for the LORD rather than for ourselves (v.15). Today's text reveals that part of this new responsibility entails serving as "ambassadors" of CHRIST in this evil world in which we live (v.20). Earlier in the New Testament, JESUS exhorted HIS disciples to be "lights" in the world (Matthew 5:14-16 pictured above). Therefore, should someone ask us, "Who are you to judge ?" we can unequivocally proclaim that we are called by GOD to be a light to this world and an ambassador of JESUS in this world. In other words, we are to declare right from wrong and truth from error because these demarcations truly matter to GOD, and we represent SOMEONE infinitely wise WHO obviously knows what is best for HIS creation.
Our role as ambassadors of JESUS CHRIST is to represent HIM before others. We noticed in yesterday's text (1st.Thessalonians 5:20-22) that we do this by "proving all things" and then embracing what is right and rejecting what is wrong. As lights, we are to shine forth in this dark world. Consider the effects of light: It dispels darkness; it exposes and illuminates; it provides clarity. It is impossible for us to be lights in this world without judging truth from error (Romans 13:12 pictured above). Please read Proverbs 4:14-18; here, Solomon exhorts his son: "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men . . . But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Unhypocritical judgment and spiritual discernment are to be a vital part of our Christian life if we are to serve as lights and ambassadors of JESUS CHRIST. MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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