The concept of the temporary nature of the Old Covenant's glory is rooted in the understanding that the Old Covenant, given through Moses, was a precursor to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. This theme is particularly explored in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul contrasts the two covenants, emphasizing the surpassing and enduring glory of the New Covenant.

Biblical Foundation

The Old Covenant, established at Mount Sinai, was marked by the giving of the Law, including the Ten Commandments, and was accompanied by a display of divine glory. Exodus 34:29-35 describes how Moses' face shone with the glory of God after receiving the tablets of the Law, a visible manifestation of the covenant's glory. However, this glory was temporary, as Moses veiled his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the fading radiance.

In 2 Corinthians 3:7-11, Paul elaborates on this theme, stating, "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?" . Paul refers to the Old Covenant as the "ministry of death" because it brought awareness of sin and condemnation without providing the means for ultimate redemption. The glory associated with it was transient, pointing to something greater to come.

The Purpose of the Old Covenant's Glory

The glory of the Old Covenant served several purposes. It affirmed the divine origin and authority of the Law, demonstrating God's holiness and the seriousness of His commandments. It also foreshadowed the greater glory of the New Covenant, highlighting the need for a more perfect mediator and a more complete revelation of God's redemptive plan.

The temporary nature of the Old Covenant's glory underscores the limitations of the Law. Hebrews 8:7-13 explains that the first covenant was not faultless, necessitating the establishment of a second, superior covenant. The author of Hebrews quotes Jeremiah 31:31-34, emphasizing God's promise to establish a new covenant, one that would be internalized and written on the hearts of His people.

The Fulfillment in the New Covenant

The New Covenant, inaugurated by Jesus Christ, fulfills and surpasses the Old Covenant. In 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Paul contrasts the fading glory of the Old Covenant with the enduring glory of the New, stating, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" . This transformation reflects the permanent and transformative nature of the New Covenant, which imparts life and righteousness through the Spirit.

The New Covenant's glory is not only more enduring but also more accessible. Unlike the veiled glory of Moses, the glory of the New Covenant is unveiled and transformative, inviting believers into a direct and personal relationship with God through Christ. This new relationship is characterized by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will.

Implications for Believers

The temporary nature of the Old Covenant's glory serves as a reminder of the limitations of the Law and the necessity of grace. It points believers to the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant invites believers to experience the fullness of God's glory, not through external observance of the Law, but through an internal transformation that reflects the character of Christ.