How does 2 Corinthians 3:7 contrast the old and new covenants' glory?

The Radiant Yet Fading Glory of the Old Covenant

“Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory…” (2 Corinthians 3:7)

• “Engraved in letters on stone” refers to the Ten Commandments received at Sinai (Exodus 34:1).

• Paul calls it “the ministry of death” because the Law, though holy, exposes sin and sentences the sinner (Romans 3:19–20; 7:9–10).

• Its glory was real—Moses’ face literally shone (Exodus 34:29–35)—yet it was temporary, “fleeting.” The veil Moses wore symbolized a glory already fading.

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Why the Old Covenant Carried Glory at All

• God Himself delivered it; that alone imparted honor (Deuteronomy 9:10).

• It revealed His righteousness, setting Israel apart (Psalm 19:7–9).

• The visible radiance on Moses underscored God’s holiness and Israel’s need for mediation.

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The New Covenant: Glory That Surpasses and Remains

• Immediately after v. 7 Paul asks, “will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?” (v. 8).

• Unlike stone tablets, the Spirit writes on human hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3; Ezekiel 36:26–27).

• It is a “ministry of righteousness” (v. 9), declaring believers righteous through Christ’s finished work (2 Corinthians 5:21).

• Its glory “surpasses” (v. 10) and “remains” (v. 11); it never fades because Jesus lives forever (Hebrews 7:24).

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Side-by-Side Contrast

Old Covenant (v. 7)

– Written on stone

– Ministry of death

– Glory that fades

– Requires a veil

– Condemns the sinner

New Covenant (vv. 8–11)

– Written by the Spirit on hearts

– Ministry of life (Romans 8:2)

– Glory that surpasses and remains

– Removes the veil (2 Corinthians 3:16)

– Justifies and transforms

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Other Passages Echoing the Same Contrast

• John 1:17 — “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

• Hebrews 8:6 — Christ mediates “a better covenant, enacted on better promises.”

• Galatians 3:24–25 — The Law was a guardian “until Christ,” but now we are justified by faith.

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Why This Matters Today

• Confidence: The unfading glory assures believers of permanent acceptance before God.

• Freedom: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17), liberating us from both condemnation and self-effort.

• Transformation: “We all, with unveiled faces, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image” (2 Corinthians 3:18). The glory that once faded from Moses now grows brighter in every Spirit-indwelt believer.