The Gospel Ambassador "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," 2 Corinthians 5:20. (Preached in Gilford FPC on Sabbath evening Aug 5th, 2012) The apostle here declares the true nature of the gospel ministry. He teaches us what all ministers should be. They are ambassadors for Christ. No minister would claim such an honour were it not written here by divine inspiration. Ambassadorship is by appointment only. It is an honour most glorious. It is further stated in these words of Paul that there is by nature an enmity between the creature and God. The word "Reconciled" clearly indicates that. Man naturally hates God, and God is angry with him for his sin and rebellion. But, those that were "sometime alienated, and enemies in their minds by wicked works, Christ hath reconciled in the body of his flesh through death," Col 1:21-22. Christ has purchased reconciliation for His elect. But until they have received Christ as their Lord and Saviour, they are not actually recovered or reconciled to God by Him. God accomplishes this work of reconciliation with His enemies by men, as do leaders and governments by such with those they are at enmity with. God sends his ministers to them who are His enemies and they speak in His name, and in His stead, persuading sinners to seek peace. Their business is to beseech men to be reconciled unto God, to lay down their arms, and to accept of the terms of the gospel for peace and reconciliation. Consider then the words of our text.