What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:11? For if what was fading away - Paul is pointing to the old covenant, delivered through Moses. It was good, holy, and God-given, yet it was temporary—designed to lead Israel to recognize sin and anticipate a better covenant (2 Corinthians 3:7; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 8:13). - Its fading nature was dramatized when “the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory” (2 Corinthians 3:7; see Exodus 34:29-30). - Though glorious, that system could not give life; it exposed guilt and ended in condemnation (Romans 3:19-20; 2 Corinthians 3:9). Came with glory - God’s presence on Sinai, the radiant face of Moses, and the pillar of fire all declared His glory resting on the Law (Exodus 24:17; Exodus 34:35). - This shows that God’s standards are never dull or lifeless; even what was temporary bore His unmistakable splendor (Psalm 19:7-8; Romans 7:12). - The brilliance, however, served to heighten awareness that something greater was still ahead (Hebrews 10:1). How much greater - Paul now pivots to a comparison. If the fading covenant dazzled Israel, “how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness!” (2 Corinthians 3:9). - Jesus “has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses” (Hebrews 3:3), for He fulfills every shadow and surpasses every symbol (Matthew 5:17; John 1:17). - The new covenant brings: • A permanent verdict of righteousness instead of continued condemnation (Romans 8:1). • The Holy Spirit indwelling believers, not tablets of stone external to them (2 Corinthians 3:3; Ezekiel 36:26-27). • Bold access to God, no veil required (2 Corinthians 3:12-16; Hebrews 4:16). Is the glory of that which endures! - Unlike Moses’ fading radiance, the glory of Christ never dims. He “holds His priesthood permanently” and “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:24-25). - The life He gives is incorruptible, and His Word “stands forever” (1 Peter 1:23-25). - As we gaze on Him, “we…are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). The glory grows in us now and will reach its climax when we see Him face to face (1 John 3:2; Revelation 22:4-5). summary 2 Corinthians 3:11 sets two realities side by side: a glorious yet fading old covenant, and an even more glorious, everlasting new covenant in Christ. The first proved God’s holiness and our need; the second supplies God’s righteousness and our life. Because the glory that now shines in Jesus will never fade, we can live with confidence, freedom, and expectation that His transforming radiance will only grow brighter—both in us and for us—forever. |
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