The concept that the glory of the Gospel exceeds that of the Law is rooted in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. This theological perspective highlights the transformative power and superior nature of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, as compared to the Old Covenant given through Moses.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for this concept is found in 2 Corinthians 3:7-11. Paul contrasts the ministry of the Law, which he describes as "engraved in letters on stone," with the ministry of the Spirit. He writes, "Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?" (2 Corinthians 3:7-8). Paul emphasizes that the glory of the Law, though real and significant, was temporary and fading, whereas the glory of the Gospel is enduring and surpassing.

The Law and Its Glory

The Law, given through Moses, was a divine revelation that established the moral, ceremonial, and civil codes for the nation of Israel. It was a covenant marked by God's holiness and justice, and it served as a tutor to lead people to Christ (Galatians 3:24). The glory of the Law was evident in the giving of the Ten Commandments, where Moses' face shone with the reflected glory of God (Exodus 34:29-35). However, this glory was external and temporary, pointing to the need for a more profound, internal transformation.

The Gospel and Its Surpassing Glory

In contrast, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is characterized by a glory that is internal, transformative, and eternal. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, brings about a new creation in believers (2 Corinthians 5:17). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in righteousness, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the Law (Romans 8:4). Paul asserts, "For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison to the surpassing glory" (2 Corinthians 3:10).

Theological Implications

The surpassing glory of the Gospel underscores the sufficiency and finality of Christ's redemptive work. It affirms that righteousness and reconciliation with God are achieved not through adherence to the Law but through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-22). This perspective elevates the Gospel as the ultimate revelation of God's grace and truth, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17).

Practical Application

For believers, the glory of the Gospel calls for a life of freedom and transformation. Paul encourages believers to live by the Spirit, experiencing the liberty that comes from the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:17). This freedom is not a license for sin but an empowerment to reflect the character of Christ, moving "from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18).

In summary, the glory of the Gospel exceeds that of the Law by providing a more profound, lasting, and transformative relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This truth is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing the superiority of the New Covenant and the life-giving power of the Spirit.2 Corinthians 3:9,10
For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more does the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
Nave's Topical Index

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ...
... all sinned, and come short of the glory of God ... law of death;"in a word, the gospel,
or covenant ... surpasseth this inch of time, or immortality exceeds mortality ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vii for the law.htm

Article iii: of Love and the Fulfilling of the Law.
... that they fulfil the Law, although this glory belongs properly ... even after the grace
of the Gospel has been ... as reason holds or imagines, it exceeds the reason ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 6 article iii of.htm

That Our Opponents Refuse to Concede in the Case of the Spirit the ...
... whom in every creature under heaven the Gospel bringeth forth ... the Spirit in the
ascription of glory, but to ... dignity, yet prune down all that exceeds the exact ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter xxviii that our opponents.htm

The Author and the End of Theology
... one that believeth," (Romans 2:16,) far exceeds it. ... who is the brightness of his
Father's glory and the ... forth the marvelous light of the gospel; which, from an ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration ii the author and.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... weight of glory is eternal, and far exceeds any thing ... look for, when Christ shall
appear again in glory. ... few learn and practise what the gospel teacheth, to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii but seek ye.htm

On the Justification of Man Before God
... to his own salvation, and to the glory both of ... 3:10; James 2:10.) Because the gospel
is the ... by granting besides, that the reward itself exceeds the worthiness ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 19 on the justification.htm

News of Salvation by Christ Brought to the Convinced and Condemned ...
... salvation, shall fix thee on a throne of glory, where thou ... to tile stretch, to admit
what it indeed exceeds the utmost ... 2:Cor.6:1) O impress this Gospel upon my ...
/.../chapter viii news of salvation.htm

John i. 14
... let us proceed to the words of the Gospel, for it ... that His essence removing from
Its proper glory took upon ... that a right description of them exceeds not only ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xi john i 14.htm

The End of Theology
... says, that the end of his gospel is, "that ... vehicle by which this most delightful
glory may diffuse ... excellence, therefore, of this vision far exceeds that which ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/the end of theology.htm

Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath ...
... to honour our Redeemer in the light of the gospel of the ... both for might and mercy,
so far exceeds the creation ... title of the Lord's day diminish the glory of the ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the true manner.htm

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