What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:18? And we, who with unveiled faces Paul has just spoken of the veil that lies over hearts apart from Christ (2 Colossians 3:14-16). Because the gospel has removed that barrier, every believer can look on God without obstruction, just as Moses set the veil aside when he re-entered the Lord’s presence (Exodus 34:33-35). This is not theory but reality—the Word declares that we “have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19-22). No hierarchy, no earthly mediator, just open access. all reflect the glory of the Lord The unveiled face now functions like a mirror. The more we look at Christ, the more His radiance registers on us and bounces back into the world (2 Colossians 4:6). • John 17:22 shows Jesus already sharing His glory with His disciples. • Matthew 5:14-16 calls believers “the light of the world,” shining out what He shines in. We are not generating this brilliance; we are reflecting what we behold. are being transformed into His image “Transformed” (metamorphosis) describes an ongoing, Spirit-powered change. Romans 8:29 states that God predestined us “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” Colossians 3:10 says the new self “is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.” The process is certain because God’s Word affirms it, not because we feel it every day. Key evidences include: • Growing love and holiness (Galatians 5:22-25) • Renewed thinking that lines up with Scripture (Romans 12:2) with intensifying glory The work never plateaus. Proverbs 4:18 promises, “The path of the righteous is like the first light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.” From first faith to final breath, the brightness escalates. Philippians 1:6 guarantees He will finish what He started. which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit The source is explicitly the triune God. The Spirit applies what the Lord Jesus secured, making 2 Corinthians 3:17 ring true: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” We do not transform ourselves; we submit to the Spirit’s sanctifying work (2 Thessalonians 2:13). Dependence on the Spirit guards us from both pride and despair. summary Because Christ has removed the veil, every believer enjoys open, personal fellowship with God. Gazing on the Lord through His Word and in obedient worship, we mirror His glory, steadily reshaped into Christlikeness. The brilliance intensifies throughout life, sourced entirely in the Spirit, guaranteeing that God’s purpose to display His glory in and through His people will be fulfilled. |
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