How can a Christian be an ambassador for Christ?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The phrase “ambassador for Christ” is specific to the New Testament; however, the Old Testament contains themes and imagery that foreshadow this role. The ambassadorial role is deeply embedded in the Old Testament, even if the term itself isn’t used. The prophets, priests, and leaders were all sent to speak, act, and intercede on God’s behalf, so those three actions guide believers who seek to be ambassadors for Christ. We are ambassadors for Christ by sharing the gospel. Salvation is received through faith in Christ, yet belief begins with hearing the truth—and that truth must be shared by those who are sent to declare it. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul encourages the Corinthians to fully embrace their calling as Christ’s ambassadors, urging others to be reconciled with God. The imagery of an ambassador highlights the responsibility of carrying God’s message with authority and integrity. Scripture discusses the spiritual battle believers face, the importance of standing firm in faith, and unwavering dedication to spreading the Gospel, even in difficult circumstances.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The book of Isaiah foreshadows Christ and Isaiah 52:7 speaks to how delightful the feet are of the one who brings good news of happiness, announces peace, and presents the way of salvation. Isaiah enthusiastically embraces being an ambassador for God to warn people of impending judgment, tell them of the need to repent, share the promises of restoration, offer comfort, and proclaim the coming of a Messiah who will bring salvation not just to Israel, but to all nations (Isaiah 6:8).
• An ambassador for Christ must be trustworthy which is reflected in Proverbs 13:17.
• God repeatedly sent ambassadors to His people in Old Testament times because He had compassion on them. Scripture tells us that the ambassadors for God were often mocked because the people despised God’s words (2 Chronicles 36:15-16).
• In the Old Testament, priests were expected to be God’s ambassadors and to instruct people in his ways as seen in (Malachi 2:7).
• God called upon flawed people to be His ambassadors. Some examples are Moses (Exodus 3:10-12), Aaron (Exodus 4:14-16), Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8-9), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1-10), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:3-7), and Jonah (Jonah 1:1–2; 3:1–2).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In 2 Corinthians 5:20 Paul urges the Corinthians to embrace their role as Christ’s representatives and to call people to be reconciled to God. The word ‘beg’ emphasizes the importance of Christians sharing the gospel.
• Ambassadors for Christ should model the apostles and speak with gentleness and truthfulness not intending to please people, but to please God, who examines our hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
• The apostle Paul’s reference to being an ambassador in chains serves as a powerful reminder that faithfulness to Christ often comes with challenges but that we should still speak boldly (Ephesians 6:19-20, Colossians 4:3).
• We are ambassadors for Christ by sharing the Gospel. In Romans 10:14-15, Paul points out the necessity of preaching the gospel so that people may hear and believe. He emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Christ, but for people to believe, they must first hear the message—and for that to happen, someone must be sent to proclaim it.
• Believers are charged with being ambassadors for Christ by making disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that God commands (Matthew 28:19-20).
• In 1 Peter 2:9, Peter describes the identity and calling of believers as ambassadors for Christ who are chosen by God to proclaim His greatness and praiseworthy attributes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul declares that believers are ambassadors for Christ, representing God's kingdom rather than the world. Like an ambassador who speaks on behalf of their homeland, Christians are called to embody God's character and share His message of salvation through Christ.

Paul is an ambassador of the kingdom of God. Unlike modern political ambassadors, Paul did not originate from the "nation" he represented. He had to be adopted in, through Christ's sacrifice, and then undergo a change of perspective by believing in Christ as his Savior. Paul was no longer a citizen of the world, but a citizen of the kingdom of God; as such, he was a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

All believers share this calling. It begins by recognizing that the earth is not our home (2 Corinthians 5:1). We live by God's standards, even in a world that may oppose us (Ephesians 6:20). As His representatives, our role is to spread the good news: that reconciliation with God is available to all who trust in Jesus as their Savior.

Our responsibility is to tell others about that good news so they can join the kingdom of God as well. Following Christ means surrendering the kingdom of self and embracing our true identity as citizens of heaven, committed to sharing God’s love and truth with the world.

UNDERSTAND

• Being an ambassador for Christ means representing God’s character and kingdom.
• Both the Old and New Testaments illustrate the importance of the role of God’s messengers.
• Every believer is called to live as a citizen of heaven and to reflect God to the world.

REFLECT

• How do you see your daily life reflecting the role of an ambassador for Christ in the way you speak and act?
• What fears or obstacles keep you from sharing the gospel boldly, and how might God be calling you to overcome them?
• How does remembering your identity as a citizen of heaven reshape your priorities and choices here on earth?

ENGAGE

• What can we learn from the Old and New Testament examples of God's messengers about representing Him faithfully today?
• How should our understanding of being “ambassadors in a foreign land” shape the way we engage with culture, relationships, and conflict?
• What are practical ways believers can support and equip each other to live boldly as ambassadors for Christ in everyday life?