How can we remove the "veil" when reading 2 Corinthians 3:15 today? The Problem: A Veil Still Covers the Heart “Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:15) • Paul speaks of a literal, spiritual barrier that prevents clear sight of God’s glory in Scripture. • The veil is not intellectual ignorance; it is a heart-level blindness caused by unbelief and self-reliance (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4). The Only Way the Veil Is Lifted “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” (2 Corinthians 3:16) • Turning = wholehearted repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the Law Moses wrote (Matthew 5:17). • The veil in the temple was torn when Christ died (Matthew 27:51); that historical event pictures the personal removal of the inner veil for every believer (Hebrews 10:19-22). • The Holy Spirit applies this work, granting unveiled sight of Christ’s glory (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). Practical Steps for Removing the Veil Today 1. Embrace Christ as the Center – Read all of Scripture, including Moses, through the finished work of Christ (Luke 24:27). – Confess dependence on His righteousness, not your own law-keeping (Philippians 3:9). 2. Ask the Spirit for Illumination – “Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45) – Pray for the Spirit’s light each time you open the Bible; the natural mind cannot grasp spiritual truth (1 Corinthians 2:14). 3. Approach with a Repentant, Teachable Heart – Yield every preconceived notion; the veil clings where pride remains (James 1:21). – Welcome conviction and be swift to obey what is revealed (John 14:21). 4. Read in Community – God often removes lingering blind spots through the gifts of other believers (Ephesians 4:11-13). – Corporate worship and sound teaching keep Christ exalted and the veil displaced. 5. Persist in the Gospel Lens – Continually rehearse the truths of grace: substitutionary atonement, resurrection power, promised Spirit. – The more Christ’s glory is beheld, the thinner the veil becomes until it is gone (2 Corinthians 3:18). Marks That the Veil Has Been Removed • Growing delight in Scripture—not mere duty (Psalm 119:18). • Clear recognition of Christ’s presence and promises from Genesis to Revelation. • Increasing freedom from sin’s power: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17) • A humble, bold witness because unveiled eyes behold a real, risen Lord (Acts 4:13). A Final Encouragement Believers do not yank off the veil by effort; they simply turn and keep turning to Christ. As He is pursued, the Spirit keeps the curtain open, flooding every page of Scripture with living light. |
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