How does 2 Corinthians 3:10 highlight the surpassing glory of the new covenant? Setting the scene • Paul contrasts two ministries in 2 Corinthians 3. • Tablets of stone (Old Covenant) brought condemnation and death yet still carried divine glory. • Tablets of human hearts (New Covenant) bring righteousness and life through the Spirit. • Scripture records these realities literally and accurately, grounding our confidence in every word. Old Covenant glory • Exodus 34:29-35 recounts Moses’ radiant face after receiving the Law. • That radiance required a veil, signaling a temporary, fading display. • 2 Corinthians 3:7-9 calls it “the ministry of death” and “condemnation,” yet still “in glory.” Verse focus—2 Corinthians 3:10 “Indeed, what was once glorious has no glory now in comparison to the glory that surpasses it.” • “What was once glorious” points directly to Sinai’s covenant. • “Has no glory now” shows how completely it is outshined when set beside the new work of Christ. • “The glory that surpasses” introduces a brighter, stronger, permanent radiance centered in the gospel. Reasons the New Covenant surpasses 1. Internal transformation – Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26-27 promise hearts of flesh and indwelling Spirit. 2. Life-giving Spirit – 2 Corinthians 3:6, 8; Romans 8:2 declare freedom and life, not death. 3. Permanent, unfading glory – 2 Corinthians 3:11 teaches that what is permanent carries greater glory. – Unlike Moses’ fading face, believers are “being transformed…from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). 4. Full righteousness instead of condemnation – 2 Corinthians 3:9 labels the new ministry “the ministry of righteousness.” – Romans 3:21-24 reveals righteousness manifested apart from the Law through faith in Christ. 5. Direct, unveiled access to God – Hebrews 10:19-22 affirms bold entrance by the blood of Jesus. – The veil is removed in Christ, enabling clear sight of His glory (2 Corinthians 3:14-16). 6. Final purification through Christ’s blood – Luke 22:20 calls His blood “the new covenant.” – Hebrews 9:11-14 speaks of cleansing consciences, something animal sacrifices never achieved. Supporting Scriptures • John 1:17 — “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” • Galatians 3:24-25 — the Law as tutor until Christ, now believers are justified by faith. • Hebrews 8:6-13 — a “better covenant” enacted on “better promises.” • Romans 8:1-4 — no condemnation in Christ; the righteous requirement of the Law fulfilled in us. Living in the surpassing glory today • Stand assured that condemnation has been lifted; the Spirit testifies to sonship. • Walk by the Spirit, not the flesh, displaying the righteousness the covenant supplies. • Fix eyes on the unveiled Christ; continual beholding fuels ongoing transformation. • Radiate the unfading glory in everyday life, proving the covenant’s power before a watching world. |
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