What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:14? Their minds were closed “ But their minds were closed.” • Paul looks back to Israel’s history, especially Exodus 34:33–35, where a literal veil covered Moses’ face. The veil symbolized spiritual dullness—an inability to perceive God’s glory. • Isaiah 6:9–10 and Romans 11:7–8 echo the tragic theme: hearing without understanding, seeing without perceiving. • Hardened minds are not a momentary lapse but a settled condition apart from God’s intervention (Ephesians 4:17–18). • The closing of the mind is self-chosen yet also a judgment for persistent unbelief (John 12:37–40). The same veil remains “ For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant.” • Even when Scripture is read, the veil persists. Religious activity alone cannot pierce spiritual blindness (Matthew 15:7–9). • “To this day” shows the ongoing nature of the problem; Paul writes decades after the resurrection, yet many still fail to see Christ in the Torah (Luke 24:25–27). • The veil isn’t on the text; it rests on the heart (v. 15). Hebrews 10:1 confirms the Law was “only a shadow,” never intended to grant full access to God without Christ. Only in Christ can it be removed “ It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed.” • Removal requires a Person, not a program. John 1:17 contrasts “the Law given through Moses” with “grace and truth” coming through Jesus Christ. • When one “turns to the Lord, the veil is removed” (v. 16). This turning is repentance and faith (Acts 3:19; 26:18). • Christ fulfills and surpasses the old covenant (Matthew 5:17). By His death the curtain in the temple was torn (Matthew 27:51), picturing the very veil Paul discusses. • In Him, believers behold “with unveiled faces” the glory of the Lord and are “transformed into the same image” (v. 18). Access leads to transformation. summary Paul states that a spiritual veil blinds those who cling to the old covenant apart from Christ. Religious devotion cannot lift it; only turning to Jesus opens eyes to the glory embedded in Scripture. In Him the barrier falls, minds awaken, and believers enter a growing, unveiled fellowship with God. |
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