The apostle Paul regards himself and... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:20

The apostle Paul regards himself and his fellow workers as ambassadors for Christ, passing on a message as His representatives. It is the call of the gospel: "Be reconciled to God!"

Because of his sins everyone lives initially at enmity with God, his Creator. All therefore need to be reconciled to God. For His part, God was never man's enemy; on the contrary, He sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. That enables those who were enemies to be reconciled to God through the death of His Son (cf. Romans 5:10.11). It is made possible by faith in His blood (cf. Romans 3:25). But God compels no-one to accept His gracious offer. This call is made as a request. We need only listen and take it seriously.

In Old Testament times God sent messages to His people Israel. But many were not interested. They wanted to live without God and disregarded the consequences for later. Nor do many people listen today, because they do not believe in God. Then God said, "He who hears, let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse" (Ezekiel 3:27). If someone clearly shows that he will never listen to God, then he is left to his own will. There is no further hope for him; God lets him go.

So the request made "on Christ's behalf" also has the nature of an admonition, as if God were warning us through his messengers. Since Christ's atoning work at Calvary has been accomplished, God "commands all men everywhere to repent" (‘Acts 17:20). His friendly appeal in no way diminishes the gravity of eternity and God's judgment for all who die in their sins (cf. John 8:24).

Today's reading: Leviticus 6:1-23 · Psalm 52:1-11