II Corinthians Study II Corinthians 3:1-18 The Awesome Freedom and Transformation of the Believer

Paul opens Chapter 3 by suggesting that he didn’t need to present a letter of commendation, for proof of the effectiveness of his ministry is seen in the lives of the Corinthian believers.  Paul related to the Corinthian believers – “you are our epistles written in our hearts, known and read of all men.”  Yes, Paul’s letter was the Corinthians themselves, and they were a letter written by the Spirit of the Living God dispatched by Christ Himself! (vv.1-3). Paul stated that the source of his confidence was his trust in God; likewise, his own competence in the ministry is because of God (vv. 4-5).

In verses 6-7, Paul presents a contrast between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.  In the Old Testament, the law condemned guilty sinners; moreover, the law never gave life.  However, the Spirit (Holy Spirit) gives life to believers.  The law also ministered death, not life.  As Moses descended from Mt. Sinai and the glory of his countenance faded, Paul stated likewise as the glory of Moses’ countenance faded, the law too was only temporary!

Stressing the point of Moses’ glory, Paul proceeded to argue for the superiority of the New Covenant.  You see, the ministry of the Old Covenant, through the commandments, only condemned men (Romans 7:11).  However, the ministry of the New Covenant, through the Spirit, brings men to faith in Jesus Christ and the imputation of His righteousness (Romans 3:21-24; 4:24).  If the Old Covenant was glorious, how much more glorious is the New Covenant!  Moreover, the New Covenant is more glorious and is eternal and gives us a certain hope of acceptance by God (v. 12).

As Moses veiled his face and the Israelites could not see the fading away of the glory of his countenance, Paul stressed that the action was a prophetic picture that Israel was unwilling and unable to comprehend the transitory nature of the Old Covenant.  However, the veil of unbelief that covers their hearts can be taken away only in Jesus Christ (vv. 13-16).  In the Old Covenant, as Moses entered the Lord’s presence, he removed his veil (Exodus 34:34).  In the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit removes the veil.  The Holy Spirit lifts the veil and helps us see that Christ is the Saviour.

The Holy Spirit is the personal “Agent” of Christ; He is the Spirit of the Lord (Romans 8:9).  In Paul’s expression – “The Lord is that Spirit”, we are not to confuse the two persons of the Godhead.  Paul’s expression affirms the Holy Spirit’s Deity.  Both the Holy Spirit and Christ are One in purpose and in result (St. John 15:26; 16:6-15; Romans 8:15; Galatians 5:1).

There is perfect liberty in Jesus Christ.  Under the New Covenant there is complete freedom; whereas, under the Old Covenant there is slavery and lack of freedom.  Finally, in verse 18, as Christians continue to behold Christ’s glory, we are being transformed into Christ’s likeness with ever increasing splendor, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

May God Bless!