Its Functions (Continued)

5. THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION (2 Corinthians 5:18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
   See All...) (Continued)
2. The Great Controversy (Continued)
2. Our commission
1. Given to us (2 Corinthians 5:18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
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1. Includes Paul
2. Includes the church of God in Corinth
3. Given after the beginning of the New Testament church
2. Committed unto us in “word” (2 Corinthians 5:19To 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.
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1. We have been given the “word of reconciliation.”
2. This is contrary to the “power” and the “signs” associated with the gospel of the kingdom and the great commission.
3. We “beseech” and “pray” that folks would be reconciled to God rather than using the “signs” to draw them (2 Corinthians 5:20Now 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.
   See All...).
3. Calls us as “ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20Now 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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1. Those carrying out the “great commission” were mainly the twelve “apostles.”
2. We are sent out as “ambassadors.”
1. Ambassadors are official representatives of the place from which they are sent.
1. This cannot be true of the apostles preaching the kingdom because they had never experienced the kingdom.
2. As ambassadors, we have Christ in us and are fully able to represent Him.
3. In addition to this, we are already seated in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-6 [4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) [6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
   See All...; Philippians 3:20
   See All...; Colossians 3:1-4 [1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
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2. The apostles were preaching a physical kingdom and the reception of a physical king. As ambassadors we offer spiritual peace.
4. A message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20Now 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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1. Reconciliation means to bring together.
2. The message of the apostles was that of bringing God to earth to be with man (Acts 1:6When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
   See All...; Acts 2:30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
   See All...; Acts 3:19-21 [19] Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. [20] And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: [21] Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
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3. Our message is that of bringing man to God to be with Him.
5. Yields the righteousness of God in the new believer (2 Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
   See All...; 2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
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Andrew Ray