𝗜𝗦𝗥𝗔𝗘𝗟 𝗛𝗔𝗗 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗦 — 𝗪𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧

ISRAEL HAD PRIESTS — WE ARE AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST

Exodus 19:6 | 2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

The Bible reveals two distinct divine programs:
Israel — an earthly nation with priests, sacrifices, and a kingdom
The Church, the Body of Christ — a heavenly people with ambassadors, reconciliation, and grace

Confusion comes when we mix Israel’s priesthood with the Church’s ambassadorship.

Tonight we ask: What is the difference between Israel’s priests and the Church’s ambassadors?

①THE PRIESTLY POSITION (ISRAEL)
Exodus 19:6

A. Chosen Nation
Deuteronomy 7:6
B. Consecrated Mediators
Leviticus 8:1–13
C. Ceremonial Access to God
Hebrews 9:6–7

Israel’s priests stood between God and men.

②THE AMBASSADORIAL APPOINTMENT (CHURCH)
2 Corinthians 5:20

A. Personally Commissioned
Acts 9:15
B. Publicly Representing Christ
Ephesians 6:20
C. Positioned in Christ
Colossians 1:27

We don’t bring sacrifices — we bring a message.

③THE SACRIFICIAL SYSTEM (ISRAEL)
Leviticus 17:11

A. Blood Required Repeatedly
Hebrews 10:1–3
B. Bulls and Goats Offered
Hebrews 9:12
C. Sin Remembered Annually
Hebrews 10:3

Israel’s priests worked daily — sin was never finished.

④THE SUFFICIENT SAVIOR (CHURCH)
Hebrews 10:10

A. One Sacrifice
Hebrews 9:26
B. Once for All
Romans 6:10
C. Work Completed
John 19:30

Christ did the work — we proclaim the victory.

⑤THE EARTHLY KINGDOM (ISRAEL)
Matthew 6:10

A. Promised to Abraham
Genesis 12:1–3
B. Preached by Christ and the Twelve
Matthew 10:5–7
C. Postponed Due to Rejection
Acts 7:51–60

Israel’s hope is earthly and national.

⑥THE HEAVENLY CALLING (CHURCH)
Philippians 3:20

A. Seated in Heavenly Places
Ephesians 2:6
B. Blessed with Spiritual Blessings
Ephesians 1:3
C. Awaiting the Rapture
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

Our mission is heaven-focused, not kingdom-building on earth.

⑦THE LEGAL COVENANT (ISRAEL)
Exodus 24:7

A. Conditional Blessings
Deuteronomy 28:1–2
B. Works Required
Leviticus 18:5
C. Failure Inevitable
Romans 3:19

The Law revealed sin — it never removed it.

⑧THE LIBERATING GRACE (CHURCH)
Romans 6:14

A. Justified Freely
Romans 3:24
B. Saved by Grace Through Faith
Ephesians 2:8–9
C. Secure Forever
Romans 8:38–39

Grace doesn’t excuse sin — it transforms the sinner.

⑨ THE RECONCILING MISSION (CHURCH)
2 Corinthians 5:18–19

A. Message of Peace
Romans 5:1
B. Ministry of Reconciliation
Colossians 1:20
C. Mandate Until Christ Returns
Titus 2:13

Priests offered sacrifices — ambassadors offer salvation.

CONCLUSION

Israel’s priests stood at altars.
We stand in a lost world.

Israel ministered under Law.
We minister under Grace.

Israel pointed men to sacrifices.
We point men to THE SAVIOR.

CALL TO ACTION

Know your identity in Christ
Rightly divide the Word of Truth
Proclaim reconciliation boldly
Live as ambassadors until He comes

“We are ambassadors for Christ…”
2 Corinthians 5:20

FINAL THOUGHTS

Priests served Israel
Ambassadors serve Christ
Sacrifices repeated
Salvation completed

Earthly kingdom promised
Heavenly calling revealed
Law exposed sin
Grace removed sin
Reconciliation proclaimed

ISRAEL HAD PRIESTS — WE ARE AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST