What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:4? Such confidence “Such confidence” (2 Corinthians 3:4) flows directly from Paul’s assurance that “our competence comes from God” (3:5–6). • This is not self-confidence but God-given certainty, echoing Hebrews 10:19, “since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.” • The confidence is tied to the new-covenant ministry of the Spirit, replacing any reliance on human ability. • Philippians 1:6 reinforces the tone: “being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it.” • Because God Himself supplies the sufficiency, the believer can stand firm without wavering or fear of failure. before God Confidence “before God” centers on relationship, not distance. • 1 John 3:21 states, “if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God,” underscoring clear conscience through forgiveness. • Hebrews 4:16 invites, “let us approach the throne of grace with confidence,” stressing that the Almighty welcomes His children. • Standing in God’s presence is possible because condemnation has been removed (Romans 8:1). • This verse reminds the church at Corinth—and every believer—that holy boldness is meant to be exercised right in God’s sight, not merely in human arenas. is ours Paul personalizes the promise: the confidence “is ours.” • Ephesians 3:12 rejoices, “In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence.” The privilege belongs to every believer, not a spiritual elite. • “Ours” highlights shared family identity; together we possess the same fearless access. • Romans 5:1–2 explains how this possession was granted: “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith.” • Possessing confidence means living it—approaching, praying, ministering, and witnessing with assurance that God is for us. through Christ The entire statement rests “through Christ.” • John 14:6: “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Christ is the exclusive mediator. • Hebrews 7:25 underscores His continuing role: He “is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.” • Romans 8:34 notes that the resurrected, ascended Jesus “is at the right hand of God— and He is interceding for us,” keeping confidence alive. • Any attempt to ground assurance elsewhere—law-keeping, lineage, or self-effort—collapses. Only union with Christ secures and sustains boldness before the Father. summary 2 Corinthians 3:4 declares that believers possess unshakeable confidence because God Himself has granted it, situating them gladly “before God,” assuring them it truly “is ours,” and anchoring it all “through Christ.” The verse invites daily living marked by fearless access, shared assurance, and Christ-centered dependence. |
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