Christ an Ambassador

    CHRIST AN AMBASSADOR

    "And the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come into his temple, even the Messenger of the Covenant whom ye delight in," Mal 3:1.

    THE words, Ambassador, Legate, or Messenger, are synonimous terms, properly such as are commissioned or deputed betwixt distant parties, to transact affairs of moment. The term is applied to Christ, who is the Angel, Messenger, or Ambassador of the covenant, who not only transacted, but completed the work of redemption, thereby reconciling God and man, who were before at variance and enmity: which shall be further manifested in the following parallel.

    METAPHOR

    I. An Ambassador or messenger of peace is an honourable person, and usually a great favourite to the king.

    PARALLEL

    I. Christ, the Ambassador or Messenger of the Gospel of peace, is a most noble, honourable, and renowned person, Lord of lords, most excellent in worth and dignity, one near allied, and a great favourite in the court of heaven, 1Ti 6:15

    METAPHOR

    II. An Ambassador is a wise person, skilled in state affairs, and knows how to adjust national differences, or to make up a breach or breaches that may be between one kingdom and another.

    PARALLEL

    II. Jesus Christ, the Messenger of the covenant, or God's Ambassador to sinners, is full of wisdom and skill in all the grand affairs which concern the glory of his Father, and the welfare of sinners; he knows how to end the differences between God and man, and to make up that grievous and destructive breach that hath been so long between them, 1Co 1:24; Ro 8:6; Eph 2:13-14,16.

    METAPHOR

    III. An Ambassador must be of known integrity and faithfulness, as well as of ability, great trust being reposed in him.

    PARALLEL

    III. The Lord Christ hath in him all the perfections of the glorious Deity; he is called the "Faithful and true witness," Re 3:14. Never did Ambassador act with such integrity to prince and people, as Christ doth between God and sinners. He would not have God dishonoured, nor man to miss of pardon, Ro 3:24,26.

    METAPHOR

    IV. An Ambassador is appointed and made choice of to this great employment, and place of trust, by the determination and decree of the king.

    PARALLEL

    IV. Christ was chosen and appointed Messenger of the covenant, by the determination, counsel, purpose, and fore-knowledge of the King of heaven, Ac 4:28; 2:23; hence is Christ said to be "a Lamb slain from the foundation of the world," Re 13:8.

    METAPHOR

    V. A person that is chosen to go as Ambassador, must accept of the place and work, before he takes his leave of the court.

    PARALLEL

    V. The Lord Jesus Christ, when chosen to be sent on this great embassy, or message of peace to sinners, readily accepted it: "Lo, it is written in the volume of the book, I come to do thy will, O God!" Heb 10:8.

    METAPHOR

    VI. An Ambassador is entrusted with matters of great weight and moment, things that concern peace, and war, the welfare and ruin of kingdoms and nations.

    PARALLEL

    VI. Jesus Christ, the greatest Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of heaven and earth, hath matters of such weight and moment committed to his trust, that very far exceed those things that concern peace and war amongst men and nations for they are matters in which are wrapped up the spiritual and eternal welfare or ruin of all people and nations of the world. He is entrusted with those high and wonderful things, that concern the glory of God, and the peace and eternal felicity of our souls.

    METAPHOR

    VII. An Ambassador, as he is chosen, and entrusted with matters of great consequence; so likewise, that he may be invested with a legal power, he receives a special commission from the prince or state he represents, which authorizes him to that work and office.

    PARALLEL

    VII. As Christ was chosen and ordained God's Messenger, and entrusted with the great concerns, and sole management of the covenant of grace; so that he might every way be rightly constituted, authorized, and empowered, he received a special commission from the Father. "He gave me commandment what I should say, and what I should speak," Joh 12:49. "I have a greater witness than that of John; for the works which the Father hath sent me to do, the same bear witness that he sent me," Joh 5:36.

    METAPHOR

    VIII. An Ambassador, having received his commission, leaves his own kingdom, and goes into that country, to which his prince hath ordered him, there to negotiate the affairs that are committed unto him.

    PARALLEL

    VIII. Christ, that he might negotiate, and fully accomplish and complete the great important affairs, of making peace between God Almighty, and poor sinners, left his own kingdom, and the glory he had with the Father, and came into this world: "When the fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son," Ga 4:4.

    METAPHOR

    IX. An Ambassador of peace represents the person of the prince or state that sent him; so that the same honour and dignity, or indignity that is showed to him, is showed thereby to the sovereign whom he represents; and it is easy to guess how much they esteem the prince, by the respects they pay to his Ambassador.

    PARALLEL

    IX. Christ Jesus, the messenger of the covenant represents the Person of God himself: so that whosoever reverences the Son, reverences the Father also, Mt 10:40. "He that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me, but he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me." Lu 10:16. "The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son, that all men should honour the Son as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the son, honoureth not the Father which hath sent him." Joh 5:22-23.

    METAPHOR

    X. An Ambassador is strictly tied to the prescribed rules, precepts, and directions, which are delivered to him, and doth not, must not proceed contrary unto them.

    PARALLEL

    X. The Lord Jesus Christ did require and command nothing of mankind, but what was the absolute will and pleasure of the Father; "My doctrine is not mine, but the Father's that sent me," Joh 7:16. "I lay down my life, that I may take it up again. This commandment received I of the Father," Joh 10:17-18.

    METAPHOR

    XI. An Ambassador is oftentimes sent to prevent or put an end to war, that thereby great effusion of blood, ruin and desolation might be stopped and prevented.

    PARALLEL

    XI. Christ was sent to put an end to that dismal and desolating war, which was occasioned by sin, and the horrid breach of the first covenant between God the Creator being offended, and the sinful, guilty, and rebellious creature. "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, &c., 2Co 5:19; "For if whilst we were enemies, we were reconciled to God, by the death of his Son; much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by his life," Ro 5:10; "And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby," Eph 2:16, "And came and preached peace to you that were afar off, and to them that were nigh." "And you that were sometimes alienated, and enemies in your minds by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh, through death," Col 1:21.

    METAPHOR

    XII. An Ambassador offers terms or makes proposals to the adverse party, thereby finally to conclude and make a lasting peace.

    PARALLEL

    XII. Christ, the Messenger of the covenant, offers gracious terms of peace and reconciliation to sinners; "Repent, and believe the Gospel," Mr 1:15. "Believe, and be baptized. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved," Mr 16:16. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," Mt 11:28. O what sweet and easy terms of peace are these! It is but to acknowledge our own guilt and vileness, lay down our arms, and accept of mercy by believing in the Lord Jesus. "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth," Isa 45:22. "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely," Re 22:17.

    METAPHOR

    XIII. An Ambassador that hath a tender heart, is greatly grieved when he sees his mediation and merciful terms of peace slighted and rejected: and from the consideration of the woeful misery and calamity that is like to follow, he is the more importunate, using many arguments to cause compliance.

    PARALLEL

    XIII. Jesus Christ, the Messenger of the great God, was greatly grieved, to see the Jews, to whom he was first sent, stubbornly refuse and reject that glorious salvation, offered to them by himself. "When he came near the city, he wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace; but now they are hid from thine eyes. O! Jerusalem, Jerusalem! how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not. O! that Israel had hearkened unto me," Lu 19:41-42; Mt 23:37; Lu 13:34.

    METAPHOR

    XIV. An Ambassador hath many servants, or a great retinue waiting upon him, and is a person deserving much honour, in discharging his trust with very much awe and fidelity to his prince.

    PARALLEL

    XIV. Jesus Christ hath many servants, who wait on him in the accomplishment of this great and glorious work, viz., the holy angels and the blessed apostles and ministers of the Gospel, Lu 22:43. The Lord Jesus deserveth eternal honour for this glorious work: "Let the angels of God worship him," Heb 1:6. "All ought to honour the Son, as they honour the Father." "At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow."

    METAPHOR

    XV. An Ambassador hath power given him to ratify and confirm articles of peace between kingdoms and nations, who are at variance, that so there may be commerce between them in future times.

    PARALLEL

    XV. The Lord Jesus Christ ratified and confirmed the covenant of grace between God and man by his own blood, and thereby opened a free commerce with God: "For through him we have access by one Spirit to the Father," Eph 2:18. Saints may "with boldness come to the throne of grace by the blood of Jesus," Heb 4:16.

    METAPHOR

    XVI. A faithful Ambassador is received with abundance of joy at his return home, and is rightly preferred, as a testimony of great favour, for his work's sake.

    PARALLEL

    XVI. The Lord Jesus, when he had done his work, returned home unto his Father, and is highly honoured, being "Clothed with glory and majesty, and is set down at the right hand of God on high, far above principalities and powers," Eph 1:20-21.

    METAPHOR

    XVII. An Ambassador, not having success in his business, in bringing the adversary to amicable terms of peace and reconciliation, bloody war is often proclaimed against those nations or people that refuse, and great desolalation follows.

    PARALLEL

    XVII. Those people and nations that refuse the offers of grace and peace made to them by Jesus Christ, God proclaims war and eternal death against them. "He that hath the Son hath life, but he that hath not the Son hath not life, but the wrath of God abideth on him," Joh 3:36. "It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city," Mt 10:15. "If we sin wilfully, after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no sacrifice for sin, but a fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries," Heb 10:26-27, and all those that have stubbornly refused the free tenders of grace.

    METAPHOR

    XVIII. An Ambassador is often times an instrument to save thousands, arid ten thousands of souls from death, and kingdoms from fire, sword, and destruction; and thereby he raises trophies to his fame and glory.

    PARALLEL

    XVIII. Jesus Christ was, and is the only instrument in the hand of God to save the world from utter destruction and ruin, and many thousands of poor sinners from eternal torments, under the incensed wrath of an eternal God, and is hereby become the everlasting wonder and praise of men and angels: "Worthy is the Lamb to receive power, and riches, wisdom, strength, &c.; thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood," &c., Re 5:9-10,12-14.

    METAPHOR

    I. Human Ambassadors are but weak, mortal, and unstable men, and many times cannot accomplish the business they are employed about; or otherwise, by reason of unfaithfulness, betray the right and prerogative of their sovereign.

    DISPARITY

    I. Christ is God as well as man, one mighty to save, perfect, all-wise, stable, of one mind, no ways defective, able to accomplish all his pleasure, true to God, highly standing for his honour, wills not that he should abate a tittle of his sovereignty; and rather than his glory should be stained in the least, to save sinners he laid down his own life, and hath offered whatever the will and counsel of God was.

    METAPHOR

    II. Ambassadors among men, though nobly descended, yet always are of a lower rank than the prince that sends them.

    DISPARITY

    II. Jesus Christ "thought it not robbery to be equal with God," Php 2:6-7, hence called "God's fellow, and the express image of the Father's Person," and, as touching his divinity not inferior to him, Heb 1:3.

    METAPHOR

    III. Ambassadors among men are employed to make up national differences only, and appease the wrath of God.

    DISPARITY

    III. Jesus Christ was chosen to make up the spiritual breach between God and sinners, to appease his wrath, and satisfy divine justice, Isa 53:5-7; that he might not only save men's bodies, but their souls also, Joh 5:24, not to deliver from natural only, but eternal death, Joh 3:17.

    METAPHOR

    IV. Ambassadors among men, at the first arrival to treat of peace, appear in much outward pomp, splendour, and worldly grandeur.

    DISPARITY

    IV. When the Lord Jesus came, when he appeared to the world, it was in a low, mean, and contemptible condition, Lu 2:12. He veiled his glory, "and made himself of no reputation," Php 2:6-8; and though his retinue was glorious, yet invisible to the men of the world.

    METAPHOR

    V. Ambassadors among men are sometimes very long and tedious, when they begin, before they can effect the issue or product of their negotiations.

    DISPARITY

    V. Christ did the great work of his embassy in a short time: "By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified," Heb 10:14; he soon removed the enmity by the blood of his cross.

    METAPHOR

    VI. An Ambassador among men, when he hath made up a long and destructive breach between kingdoms and nations, and they are at perfect peace and friendship, yet cannot keep them always so, but in time new discord ariseth, and the breach is as wide as it was before.

    DISPARITY

    VI. This blessed Ambassador having made peace between God and believers, this league and covenant by means of this mediation is everlasting, this peace shall not, cannot ever be broken, it is "Well ordered in all things, and sure," 2Sa 23:5. Being confirmed by blood and the oath of God, Heb 6:16-17. "For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord, that hath mercy upon thee," Isa 54:10.

    APPLICATION.

    I. This may then really teach us to bless and praise God, for the Lord Christ the Messenger of the covenant, or blessed Ambassador of peace between God and us; it was the Father that chose and sent him on this errand and message.

    II. With what due and great reverence ought we to receive the Lord Jesus, he being the Son of, and represents the magnificent King, not only of this world, but also of heaven? as in the scripture-parable, surely, saith he, "they will reverence my son."

    III. Accept of the terms of peace offered to you by Jesus Christ, and stubbornly stand out no longer; it is your wisdom to submit and yield speedily thereunto, for fear lest it should be said to you, as once to Jerusalem, &c. "If thou, even thou, hadst known in this thy day, the things that belong to thy peace; but now they are hid from thine eyes," Lu 19:42, now it is too late.

    1. Consider, that the breach and enmity that is between God and man, was occasioned by our sin, we first brake league and friendship with him.

    2. Consider, how unable a man is to stand and hold out in a war against God: "Who ever hardened himself against him and prospered? who can stand before his indignation?" &c., Job 9:4, "Who knows the power of thine anger?" Ps 90:11.

    3. Consider, what a black, foul, and guilty soul art thou! darest thou strive with thy Maker, and join in a confederacy and comply with his enemy?

    4. Consider how willing God is to be at peace with you, though the offended party, he first seeks for peace and reconciliation!

    5. Consider, how long this blessed Messenger of the covenant hath waited on you, and how often by his ministers he hath invited and sent to you!

    6. Consider, what gracious promises he hath made to pardon and forgive all by-past treasons, if you will come in, and accept of his good and peaceable terms? Isa 55:6.

    7. Consider, what great and irresistible power there is in his hands (are not the bowels of his compassion very tender?) to ease himself of his enemies?" Isa 1:24.

    8. Consider, what a sweet thing it is to be at peace with God, it passeth all understanding!

    9. Consider, now is the day of your visitation, this great work admits of no delay, "Now is the day of your salvation," 2Co 6:2. O how sad will it be when Christ shall say, you having not accepted the free tender of salvation, the things that concern your peace, "Are now hid from your eyes!"

    10. Consider Jesus Christ condescended very low, you may have peace on very easy terms, (viz.,) "Hear, and your souls shall live;" Isa 55:3-4, (i. e.,) hear faithfully and savingly, &c., "And I will make an everlasting covenant with you," &c.

    But by way of objection, some may say, what must we do to have peace with God?

    Answ. 1. You must fight no more against God, neither must you join with those that in any wise take up arms against God, nor resist his word, his Spirit, nor turn a deaf ear to the reproofs of conscience.

    2. You must not only break your league with Satan, but must also fight against him and rebuke him, and so, that you may have no more commerce with him, but must always desire divine assistance to resist his temptations: though he pretends love to you in offering worldly profits, pleasures, and honours, yet his grand design is to damn your soul.

    3. Do not any longer hold a confederacy with sin, no not so much as a secret friendship with your Delilah, your choice and pleasant sin, but put all your sins (as it were) to the sword; "Mortifying the deeds of the body," &c. If you would have peace, you must deal with your sins, as the Israelites were to deal with the cursed Canaanites.

    4. Positively. Confess all your former rebellious, unbelief, earthly-mindedness, pride, passion, lying, drunkenness, yea, all sins, and forsake them.

    5. Take hold of Christ, receive the atonement he hath made for thee.

    6. Enter into covenant immediately, feel it now, defer it not on pain of death.

    7. Join thyself to the Lord's covenant people with speed, delay not, &c.

    APPLICATION.

    1. From hence we may infer, that those that reject Christ, the great Ambassador of peace, are undone to all eternity.

    2. Let those, that through grace are in a reconciled state and condition, ascribe all to Christ; Omnis adoratio, et laus tribuenda Christo.