We are therefore ambassadors substituting for Christ, as though God were making entreaty through us. As substitutes for Christ we beg: ‘Become reconciled to God.”’​—2 Cor. 5:18-20.

4, 5. (a) Why does God send out his “ambassadors” in the earth? (b) Is the “ministry of the reconciliation” finding success?

⁴ In Paul’s day ambassadors were sent to nations at war or threatening war to try to arrange peaceful relations between the troubled nations and thus avert bloodshed. (Luke 14:31, 32) All of humankind is at enmity with God due to inherited sin and imperfection from Adam. God has already taken the steps to make possible the removing of that enmity, and he lovingly and mercifully sends out his “ambassadors” to show the way to “become reconciled to God” and be restored to his favor and goodwill. Will you accept the invitation brought to you by God’s “ambassadors substituting for Christ,” and put yourself in line for everlasting life through the provision that God has lovingly made through his beloved Son?

Under the supervision of the anointed remnant of spirit-begotten ones, this “great crowd” of faithful disciples have accepted the privilege of sharing in the work that God has assigned for this day, namely, the preaching of “this good news of the kingdom.” Their zealous efforts have assisted greatly in getting the message into “all the inhabited earth for a witness” in fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy. God has allowed them to share in the “ministry of the reconciliation,” along with the remnant who act as “ambassadors substituting for Christ.” Truly they have been “rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple.”​—Matt. 24:14; 2 Cor. 5:20.