Transformed: Our New Identity in Christಮಾದರಿ

A Future of Reconciliation and Purpose

We’ve been reading about how the gospel frees us from the weight of our past. Our old self was crucified with Christ. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we walk in newness of life, reflecting God’s holiness and righteousness to the world around us.

Jesus deals with the past, empowers us for the present, and – wondrously! – also transforms us for the future. We’ve been entrusted with a mission: the ministry of reconciliation. Our new identity in Christ isn’t just for our benefit; it equips us to partner with God in His redemptive work in the world. That means reconciliation and redemption aren’t just things that have happened to us; they’re also things we’re called to carry forward into the lives of others.

An ambassador is a representative: someone who speaks and acts on behalf of a higher authority. As believers, we’re Christ’s representatives on earth, tasked with sharing the message of reconciliation. This ministry involves two key components: (1) proclaiming the gospel (sharing the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection, which makes reconciliation with God possible), and (2) living as witnesses (reflecting God’s love, grace, and truth in our actions and relationships so that others are drawn to Him). This ministry of reconciliation isn’t optional. It’s the core purpose of our new life in Christ. As God’s workmanship, we’re uniquely designed and equipped to carry out every good work that advances God’s Kingdom and glorifies Him. That means that scrubbing a loo or sending an email or driving your kids to school or booking a flight can all be ‘good works prepared beforehand’ by God, for you to do.

Jesus made it clear that the ministry of reconciliation isn’t reserved for ‘professional Christians’ – pastors, missionaries, and the like. Rather, every believer is called to go and make disciples. We can actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation in three practical ways:

1. Share the gospel boldly
2. Live out reconciliation in relationships
3. Serve with purpose

Reconciliation with God restores our relationship with Him. It also gives us divine purpose, because when we share the gospel and live as Christ’s ambassadors, we participate in God’s redemptive plan for humanity. May you be galvanised by the truth that you’ve been freed from the past, you’re a new creation in Christ, and you’ve been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation.