Our Position on Earth

I find it interesting in following along here with what my friend Art is sharing regarding the 'Mystery of the Gospel' and how it proved to be a catalyst that launched Paul into a prison ministry, by being incarcerated himself for making it known...now what is that all about, why such bent out of shape reactions from folks??
Is this mystery of Christ in us, just an elaborate disguise, a new improved rendition of Dale Carnegie's, 'How to Win Friend's and Influence People'?

Is this mystery and its unveiling alloted to only those as in some religious settings that have reached a 'higher frequency'? Interesting this is!

AMBASSADORS for CHRIST - by Cornelius Stam
Part 2 of 5 - OUR POSITION ON EARTH

Twice in Paul’s letters we find the word ambassador. In II Corinthians 5:20 the apostle tells us whom He represents: “We are ambassadors for Christ,” while in Ephesians 6:19, 20 he gives us the burden of his message: “the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds.”

Paul rejoiced in his position in the heavenlies, in Christ, but he realized that he also held an important position on earth. As Christ had once suffered and died in Paul’s stead, Paul now rejoiced in his commission to stand before the world in Christ’s stead, pleading with men to be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (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.

The world would not have Christ, so Paul, who had once so bitterly persecuted Him, went forth in His stead, with an offer of grace and peace. If Christ was willing to delay the judgment of the nations and remain an exile from the world which was His by right, Paul was more than willing to represent Him here. He counted it all joy to suffer in the flesh and fill up that which remained of the afflictions of Christ. He considered “the fellowship of His sufferings” a great privilege and a great honor (Col. 1:24; Phil. 3:10).

Yes, Paul was in Christ, but Christ was in Paul too, pleading with sinners to be reconciled to God through His merits. And the position that was Paul’s as the ambassador of Christ is our position too.

In fathomless love and mercy our blessed Lord has delayed the judgment of His enemies for more than 1900 years while He still remains an exile. As the world’s rebellion continues He still leaves us, His ambassadors, here to offer terms of peace to all who will accept them. And what terms! “The forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace!” “Peace through the blood of His Cross!”

Still the world blasphemes and despises this wonderful Savior, but He no longer bears the suffering. The time of His sufferings is past. It is given to us, His ambassadors, to fill up that which still remains of His afflictions. Thus the apostle declares: “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Phil. 1:29). And notice what Paul adds to these words: “Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me” (Verse 30).

Rich