How does being a representative of heaven relate to being a minister of reconciliation?
Scripture teaches believers' citizenship is already in heaven, so though they live on earth they serve as ambassadors. Their assignment is to represent their homeland, heaven. This representative duty is what makes them ministers of reconciliation, conveying heaven's message to others.
Les explains that the moment a person becomes a believer and is placed in Christ, they are also made members of the Kingdom of Christ in heaven, yet they remain on earth as ambassadors. Their job is to represent their homeland. Philippians 3:20 says our conversation, or citizenship, is in heaven, from whence we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our vile body to be fashioned unto His. Because believers are representatives of heaven itself, they become ministers of reconciliation. Les calls this a great commission that anybody can do, unlike going around baptizing people, which he says he is not comfortable with.
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
More Questions
What is the ministry of reconciliation?
The "ministry of reconciliation" means it is now the believer's responsibility to share God's reconciliation with the people around them.
What does reconciliation mean for a believer's relationship with God?
Reconciliation is another biblical word that deals with believers' relationship with God.