Spiritual Gifts part 264: The Ministry of Reconciliation.

Spiritual Gifts Part 264: The Ministry of Reconciliation

3. Reward:
to each according to his deeds; crowns.
Mat 5:11-12; Mat 10:40-42; Luk 6:35-36; 1Co 3:8-15; Col 3:23-24; Jam 1:12; 2Jo 1:8; Rev 2:10; Rev 22:10-14

The inheritance of the Church Age believer has two compartments:
the birthright (regeneration), and
the rewards (maturity).

The inheritance of the believer has two sides.
Austin-Sparks talks about these two aspects in terms of (1) nature, and (2) service.

We are also in union with Christ to participate in His work of service.

The WORK of Christ-His SERVICE - is to minister God to the creation – to be the mediator between God and man.

2Pe 3:18
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

As the mediator between God and man, Christ has three offices:
prophet, priest, and king.

The prophet speaks the message of God to the people.
He explains God to the people.

The priest speaks and acts on behalf of the people to God. He offers the sacrifice and He intercedes.

The king gathers up the people and governs them. He exercises authority to the glory of God and for the good of the people.

A mediator is a middle person between two parties. The mediator places himself between two parties who are in a conflict, and works to gain the reconciliation.

God did nothing wrong, so He only required a communicator to explain Himself to His creation in the darkness.
This is Christ in His office as Prophet.

But mankind was the guilty party. So the Mediator had to perform the duties of rendering satisfaction and also interceding on behalf of mankind. This is Christ in His office as Priest.

And once He has reconciled the creation – man – to God, He remains there in place to exercise authority and rule over the redeemed creation. This is Christ in His office as King.

Mat 17:5
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”