The Grace of God
ICS Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians 5:14,19 (NIV) For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died…that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

As believers, we are entrusted with the ministry and word of reconciliation. Therefore, one of the questions God will ask us at Christ’s judgement seat will be whether we have been faithful ambassadors.

You might ask what you can do for someone who already knows the gospel or grew up in a Christian family. We should intercede for them to overcome what is holding them back from walking with God. For example, the reason they have left the Christian faith could be that they are tired of religion, legalism, and tradition, or it could be condemnation. Sadly, the church can sometimes be harsh towards those who have drifted away from God. Therefore, we should not dislike, unfriend, or disassociate from them unless they would harm the church members.

Apart from praying for them, another way we could help them return to God is by living out our identity in Christ, which requires a clear revelation of the new creation realities of our new identity. If someone treats Christianity as a religion, they are trying to change themselves from the outside in, which is a heavy burden and very tiresome. They may be exhausted from being trapped on a religious performance treadmill where they never feel good enough for God. Therefore, we should live the Christian life from the inside out by embracing the new creation realities and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It is liberating, easy, and light when we are yoked with God. We should continue to engage with them through non-religious activities and wait for them to be open to talking about God again, and we can pray with them when they are stressed.

Jesus’ last commandment before He ascended to heaven was for all of us to go into the world to preach the gospel and make disciples. Therefore, the opening Scripture reveals that the love of Christ compels us to go forth and take responsibility for the ministry of reconciliation by sharing the message of reconciliation with the lost. This is our life’s purpose and the purpose of the work God has given you. We need a paradigm shift and see that we are placed in a particular company or position for a specific purpose, which is to make a difference! This perspective gives meaning to our work, even though it might be challenging at times.

What condemns a sinner to eternal condemnation is not their sin but their refusal to accept Jesus Christ, and nobody can stand right before Him if He holds us accountable for our sins. Therefore, we need to tell unbelievers that God is full of grace and mercy. He knows we are sinners, and He has reconciled the world to Himself through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross while we were still sinners. Jesus Christ has revealed the grace of God through the gospel.

Sermon Series：We are an ambassador for Christ