# We Are Ambassadors for Christ explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

The chapter emphasizes the role of believers as ambassadors for Christ, urging sinners to repent and be reconciled to God. It reflects on the preacher's mission, the power of grace, and the urgency of responding to the gospel before it is too late.

## Themes in this chapter

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The preacher's own rebellion was overcome by grace, and the same grace is offered to all sinners.

### Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life

The promise that even the worst may be forgiven and become heirs of heaven.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

The one who sends ambassadors and will return in the clouds as judge.

### The Redeemer

The one who reconciles God and sinners through grace.

### The Narrator

The preacher who once rebelled but now is sent to call others to repentance.

## Key lines

> I Thy message by the preacher seal, And let thy power be known, That every sinner here may feel The word is not his own.

Confirm the preacher's message with your power, so that every sinner may recognize it comes from you, not from human authority.

_The preacher's authority is derived from God, and the message is divine._

> But grace prevail’d, he mercy found, And now by thee is sent, To tell his fellow-rebels round, And call them to repent.

Grace overcame his rebellion, he received mercy, and now he is sent to urge his fellow rebels to repent.

_The preacher's own experience of grace qualifies him to call others to repentance._

> In Jesus God is reconciled, The worst may be forgiven; Come, and he’ll own you as a child, And make you heir of heaven.

Through Jesus, God is no longer angry; even the worst sinners can be forgiven. Come, and he will adopt you as his child and give you an inheritance in heaven.

_The central gospel invitation: reconciliation, forgiveness, and adoption._

> Perhaps the year that’s now begun May prove to some their last; The sands of life may soon be run, The day of grace be past.

This new year might be the last for some; life may end soon, and the opportunity for grace may be gone.

_The urgency of responding to the gospel now, as life is uncertain._

> Think, if you slight this embassy, And will not warning take, When Jesus in the clouds you see, What answer will you make?

Consider: if you reject this message and ignore the warning, what will you say when you see Jesus coming in the clouds?

_The final judgment is certain, and those who reject the gospel will have no excuse._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/27-we-are-ambassadors-for-christ
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters