Ambassadors of Heaven: Living by the Laws of God's Kingdom

Introduction

As believers in Jesus Christ, we are more than just people living on earth—we are ambassadors of heaven (2 Corinthians 5:20). An ambassador is a representative or messenger sent by a sovereign authority to represent their interests, speak on their behalf, and uphold their values. In our case, as Christians, we are called to represent God’s Kingdom, not our own opinions, and to carry His message of love, redemption, and truth to the world.

Our true citizenship is not of this world, but of God’s Kingdom (Philippians 3:20). This means that our values, decisions, and perspectives should be shaped by heavenly laws, not the shifting standards of society. Jesus Himself made it clear: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." (John 15:18). Living as an ambassador of heaven means walking in a different reality—one that often conflicts with the world. But what does that really mean in our daily lives?

1. What It Means to Be an Ambassador of Heaven

An ambassador is a representative of a kingdom or country, living in a foreign land. As Christians, we are here on earth as representatives of God’s Kingdom, carrying His message and values wherever we go.

• We Don’t Belong to This World – Jesus said, "They are not of the world, even as I am not of it." (John 17:16).
• We Carry Heaven’s Message – "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us." (2 Corinthians 5:20).
• We Follow Kingdom Laws – Just as an ambassador follows the laws of their homeland, we live by God’s Word, not worldly opinions (Romans 12:2).

2. The World Will Reject Us

Jesus warned that the world would hate His followers just as it hated Him (John 15:18-19). Why? Because our mindset, priorities, and values challenge the world’s ways.

• The world seeks power, but Jesus teaches servanthood (Matthew 23:11-12).
• The world seeks wealth, but Jesus teaches storing treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).
• The world justifies sin, but Jesus calls us to holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Just as Jesus was persecuted, we too will face opposition. But we are called to stand firm, knowing that our reward is eternal (Matthew 5:10-12).

3. Our Perspective is Already Defined by the Kingdom

Some might ask: "If we live by Kingdom principles, do we even have our own opinions?" The truth is, our perspective is already determined by God’s truth.

• Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
• Romans 12:2 reminds us to renew our minds so we think like Christ, not the world.
• True wisdom comes from God, not personal opinions (James 1:5).

This doesn’t mean we lose individuality, but rather, we align our uniqueness with God’s purpose. The more we grow in Christ, the more we see the world as He does.

4. Living as an Ambassador of Heaven

Being an ambassador of heaven is a daily commitment. Here’s how we live it out:

• Walking in Righteousness – Representing Christ through our actions, words, and decisions (1 Peter 2:9).
• Spreading the Kingdom Message – Sharing the Gospel wherever we go (Matthew 28:19-20).
• Being a Light in Darkness – Influencing the world with truth, not being influenced by it (Matthew 5:14-16).
• Enduring Persecution with Joy – Knowing that trials refine our faith and bring eternal rewards (James 1:2-4).

5. Controversial Issues and a Biblical Perspective

Christians today face many challenging topics that require careful consideration of biblical truth and Christlike love. Here are some important questions to consider:

• Marriage and Sexuality:
  The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman. “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). Marriage is designed by God to be between a man and a woman, and this remains the biblical standard for Christian believers. The Bible also teaches that sexual relationships outside of this covenant—whether premarital, homosexual, or otherwise—are contrary to God's design (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Romans 1:26-27).

• Sanctity of Life:
  The Bible affirms the value of life from the moment of conception. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13-16). Life is a gift from God, and human life is sacred. The Bible clearly affirms that God is the giver of life and has a purpose for each individual from the moment of conception. This calls us to protect life, including in cases of abortion, and value every human being as made in the image of God (Jeremiah 1:5).

• Israel and Biblical Prophecy:
  Many Christians believe that Israel plays a key role in God’s plan for the world, as stated in Scripture: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” (Genesis 12:3). The Bible also speaks of God's promises to Israel in the last days. Some interpret these promises as pointing to the physical nation of Israel, while others believe that the Church has now become the spiritual Israel. Regardless of interpretation, we are called to pray for peace in Israel and support God's sovereign plans for His people (Romans 11:25-26).

• Other Ethical and Social Issues:
  Christian teachings also address other important ethical matters such as euthanasia, divorce, gender roles, and religious freedom. As ambassadors of Christ, we must engage with these issues through the lens of Scripture, guided by both truth and compassion. We are called to speak the truth in love, offering grace while standing firm on biblical principles (Ephesians 4:15).

Conclusion: Representing Heaven on Earth

As ambassadors of heaven, our purpose is clear: we are here to represent Christ, live by Kingdom values, and prepare for eternity. Though the world may not understand or accept us, we stand firm in our calling, knowing that our true home is with God. Our goal is to live out God's Kingdom values, not the values of this world, and to be a light to those around us.

So the question remains: Are we living as true ambassadors of heaven, or are we blending in with the world?