Paul shared his love for the Corinthians by telling them they were his most notable church, planted by the apostle during his first missionary journey to the Greek region.
Having just addressed an issue pertaining to false teaching in Corinth by Judaizers, Paul now points out the flaw in their false teaching by exposing the truth about the law of Moses. Once the law led to life but no longer since it was replaced by the fulfillment of God’s promise throughout the law, the birth and death of Christ Jesus.
“7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?” ( 2 Corinthians 3:7-8)
The ministry of death was based on the law of Moses and its Decalogue. If was made glorious through the radiance emitted by Moses’ face as he carried the stone tablets. How much more radiant then is the law of Christ which is based on love, rather than works? So glorious indeed salvation is not longer a result of deeds but a gift of grace from God almighty to all those who believe in Jesus Christ, repent of their sins and are baptized in the holy name of the Trinity.
“9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.“( 2 Corinthians 3:9-11)
Paul compares both roads to salvation, that if one was glorious, though it lead to destruction more often than not. On the flip side imagine how great the glory when one’s salvation is inundated with an outpouring of blessings. This is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ, and with reverent love in God.
“12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away.“( 2 Corinthians 3:12-13)
Paul declares his preaching as driven by the truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Unlike the law of Moses, which reigned over the people for a time, the law of Christ reigns in heaven for all eternity. God’s chosen people could not be made aware of their fate, instead they were given hope through the law.
“14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.“( 2 Corinthians 3:14-16)
Speaking of the Jews, Paul describes those who refuse to acknowledge the new covenant as still enslaved to the law which leads to death today as it did in the days of Moses. Only through Christ the veil is lifted, and through Paul the mystery revealed.
“17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.“( 2 Corinthians 3:17-18)
Because the new covenant is one based on faith, rather than works, Paul comforts the Corinthians with the knowledge that, through Faith in Jesus Christ they are free from damnation. Believers should not boast, instead we should glow with the same glory we lift up to God.
Christians who are not known for their likeness to Christ should examine the glory which pours out from them. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
