How does 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 relate to Moses' actions in Exodus 34:34? Setting the Scene: Two Passages, One Theme 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 and Exodus 34:34 both describe what happens when a veil is lifted in the presence of the LORD. Paul interprets Moses’ experience to teach how believers now experience the same unveiling through Christ. What Moses Did in Exodus 34:34 • “When Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would remove the veil until he came out.” • The veil covered Moses’ shining face when he was with the people, but it was taken off when he entered the tent to meet God directly. • In those private moments, Moses beheld God’s glory without obstruction, receiving fresh revelation that later shone visibly to Israel. Paul’s Explanation in 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 “Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” • Turning to the Lord removes the veil that once hid God’s glory. • The Spirit grants freedom—access unrestricted by ritual coverings. • Believers now “contemplate” (literally “mirror back”) the unveiled glory and are progressively transformed “from glory to glory.” Key Connections • Same Lord, same unveiling – Moses removed his veil before the LORD; believers have their heart-veil removed by the Spirit. • Access moved from occasional to continual – Moses met God at set times; Christians “all” live before Him with unveiled faces at all times (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Transformation intensified – Moses’ face reflected fading glory (2 Corinthians 3:13); believers receive ever-increasing glory that conforms them to Christ (Romans 8:29). • Freedom contrasted with fear – Israel feared the radiance and stood at a distance (Exodus 34:30); the Spirit now brings confident, liberated communion (Galatians 4:6-7). Practical Implications for Believers Today • Live continually “before the LORD,” knowing no veil stands between. • Expect visible change: inner beholding produces outward Christlikeness. • Guard against re-veiling the heart through unbelief, legalism, or sin (Galatians 5:1). • Invite the Spirit’s ongoing work; He is both the presence and the power behind the transformation. Additional Supporting Scriptures • Matthew 27:51—temple veil torn, signifying open access. • John 1:14—“We have seen His glory.” • Hebrews 1:3—Christ is “the radiance of God’s glory.” • 1 John 3:2—“When Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.” |
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