Such is the confidence that we have
through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in
ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who
has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the
letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians
3:2-6
The mutual testimony of fellowship between believers in
Jesus Christ is evidence enough of our steadfastness in the faith, and yours.
We are God’s work, through the ministry of His Holy Spirit. The agape love we
have learned and express toward out brethren is entirely from God. The law was
written on tablets of stone, but was not as powerful as the love written in
believers’ hearts, by Jesus Christ Himself. The law brought death (kills), but
the Holy Spirit gives eternal life. That truth, not our own sufficiency, is our
confidence.
Now if the ministry of death, carved in
letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at
Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will
not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there
was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must
far exceed it in glory. Indeed, in this case, what once had glory
has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will
what is permanent have glory. 2 Corinthians 3:7-11
That law, carved in stone by God Himself, was accompanied by
such glory that the Israelites couldn’t look on Moses face without being
blinded. This was true, even though it was fading all the while. The glory of
the new covenant, however, far surpasses the glory of the law. The law, which
brought condemnation, cannot give life and dulls by comparison to the new glory
of permanent grace in Jesus Christ.
Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not
like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so
that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to
an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil
remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes,
to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But
when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now
the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is
freedom. And we all,
with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same
image from one degree of glory to
another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:12-18
Moses wore a veil to hide the blinding glory of his face, to
protect the Israelites from the intolerable glare, and so they wouldn’t be
aware that it diminished daily. They didn’t comprehend the purpose of the law
they were given then (hardened hearts) can only think in terms of legalism.
That law actually represented Jesus Christ, whom they could not see. Even now,
Paul says, when Israel reads the law of Moses, the veil still obscures the
glory.
Faith in Jesus Christ removes the veil. The Lord is Spirit,
and where the Spirit of the Lord is, freedom reigns. We can handle the glory of
God’s Word, because the Holy Spirit makes it clear to us. We are actually being
changed into that same glory as we grow in grace and knowledge of Him.
Legalism blinds. Grace reveals. As long as they cling to
their legalism, they will never know grace. Consequently, they cannot see the
glory of Christ’s truth. They are yet natural men (carnal), with no
comprehension of the Plan of God.
What joy is experienced by those who have learned Christ,
are growing in Him, and have confidence in His perfect provision for our permanent
peace. That joy is shared by all the brethren who are relaxed in the truth of
His gospel, fellowshipping in the Spirit of the Lord. We know perfect freedom.
We see His glory. We ARE His glory, having become the gospel to the unsaved
world.
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