2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be you reconciled to God. I. This earnest entreaty of the apostle supposes ALIENATION FROM GOD, AND ENMITY AGAINST HIM, AS THE NATURAL CHARACTER OF MANKIND. That they are naturally averse from God may be proved from the general tendency of their desires and affections. The desire of knowledge is natural. The philosopher, the scholar, the artist, are all in earnest pursuit of knowledge. But of what kind? — on questions and speculations which natural objects suggest, and which are all of temporary importance. In no class of men, indeed, do we perceive a natural desire after the best of all knowledge, the knowledge of God, and of the gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ. That knowledge is the last and the least desired. Again, we are all desirous of happiness; but where is it generally sought? Look at the young, and you find them pursuing their happiness among trifles and amusements that are ever shifting with the hour. Look at those of maturer age, in what do they place their happiness? In pursuits as idle as the play of children, but more dangerous. Again, we take much pleasure in social conversation. We are made for society, and the social principle belongs to our nature. If then no alienation from God has taken place, the most delightful topics of conversation would be His nature, His works, our" relation to Him, the duties we owe to Him, and the blessedness of communion with Him. Our experience, however, tells us that these are by no means the favourite themes of social conversation. II. THE POSSIBILITY, NOTWITHSTANDING MAN'S NATURAL ENMITY, OF HIS RECONCILIATION TO GOD. Observe what wisdom and grace appear in the exact adaptation of the gospel to our actual condition! If reconciliation be proposed at all, it is not for the inferior and offending party to determine the way. God well knew that His wisdom alone was adequate to this. But in making known the purposes of His grace, how conspicuous does His wisdom, how glorious does His majesty, appear! His offended justice requires satisfaction, and His truth declares that "without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins." But further, in this work, in this combination of might, wisdom, and grace, we see each Person of the Godhead harmoniously engaged. III. That our text SUGGESTS THE LEADING OBJECT OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY — to beseech men to be reconciled to God. 1. We beseech you by the imminent dangers of a state of enmity against God. 2. We beseech you by the mercies of God. 3. We beseech you by the blood of Christ shed for the remission of sins. Think of the costly sacrifice made for this gracious purpose. 4. We beseech you by the promised influences of the Holy Spirit, "be ye reconciled to God." We know that your own efforts cannot effect this object; but we call upon you to put into diligent use the means with which Divine grace has furnished you. 5. Finally, we beseech you, by the awful importance of eternity, and the value of your never-dying souls. (T. Lewis.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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