Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the glory of the Gospel exceeding that of the Law is rooted in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. This theme highlights the transformative and surpassing 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). Here, Paul acknowledges the glory associated with the Law but emphasizes that it was temporary and ultimately surpassed by the enduring glory of the Gospel. The Law and Its Glory The Law, given through Moses, was a divine revelation and served as a guide for the Israelites. It was glorious in that it reflected God's holiness and righteous standards. The glory of the Law was visibly demonstrated when Moses descended from Mount Sinai with his face shining (Exodus 34:29-35). However, this glory was transient, symbolizing the temporary nature of the Old Covenant. The Gospel and Its Surpassing Glory In contrast, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is described as having a surpassing glory. The New Covenant, established through Christ's death and resurrection, brings life and righteousness. Paul explains, "For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness!" (2 Corinthians 3:9). The Gospel's glory is not only greater in magnitude but also eternal, as it is based on the finished work of Christ and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Transformation and Freedom The glory of the Gospel is transformative, bringing believers into a new relationship with God. Paul writes, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18). This transformation is ongoing and leads to greater conformity to the image of Christ. Furthermore, the Gospel brings freedom from the bondage of the Law. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17). This freedom is not a license to sin but a liberation to live in the righteousness and power of the Spirit. Implications for Believers The surpassing glory of the Gospel calls believers to live in the light of the New Covenant, embracing the freedom and transformation it offers. It encourages a life of faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and marked by an ever-increasing reflection of Christ's glory. The Gospel's glory compels believers to share its message, confident in its power to bring salvation and transformation to all who believe. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 3:9,10For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more does the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ... Article iii: of Love and the Fulfilling of the Law. That Our Opponents Refuse to Concede in the Case of the Spirit the ... The Author and the End of Theology "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C. On the Justification of Man Before God News of Salvation by Christ Brought to the Convinced and Condemned ... John i. 14 The End of Theology Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath ... Resources What is the Shekinah glory? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Christ in us is the hope of glory? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the heavens declare the glory of God? | GotQuestions.org Glory: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Glory of God: Described As Great Glory of God: Enlightens God's People Glory of God: Exhibited in Christ Glory of God: Exhibited in his Name Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses Glory of God: God is Jealous of Glory of God: Saints Desire to Behold Glory of God: The Earth is Full of Glory of God: The Knowledge of, Shall Fill the Earth Glory of God: The People of God Glory of Hypocrites Turned to Shame Glory of the Church Shall be Rich and Abundant Glory of the Gospel Exceeds That of the Law Glory of the Gospel, Exceeds That of the Law Glory of the Wicked is in Their Shame Glory of the Wicked: Ends in Destruction Glory: Christ Is, to his People Glory: Eternal of God's People Shall be Rich and Abundant Glory: Eternal: Accompanies Salvation by Christ Glory: Eternal: Afflictions of Ministers Are, to Saints Glory: Eternal: Enhanced by Afflictions Glory: Eternal: Enhanced by Present Afflictions Glory: Eternal: Inherited by Saints Glory: Eternal: Present Afflictions not Worthy to be Compared With Glory: Eternal: Procured by the Death of Christ Glory: Eternal: Saints Afore Prepared To Glory: Eternal: Saints Called To Glory: Eternal: Saints Prepared Unto Glory: Eternal: Saints Shall Be, of Their Ministers Glory: Eternal: The Bodies of Saints Shall be Raised In Glory: Saints Shall Be, of Their Ministers Glory: Spiritual is Given by Christ Glory: Spiritual is Given by God Glory: Spiritual is the Work of the Holy Spirit Glory: Temporal is Given by God Glory: Temporal of Hypocrites Turned to Shame Glory: Temporal of the Wicked is in Their Shame Glory: Temporal: Ends in Destruction Glory: Temporal: Seek Not, from Man Glory: Temporal: The Devil Tries to Seduce By Glory: The Bodies of Saints Shall be Raised In Glory: The Gospel Ordained to Be, to Saints Glory: The Joy of Saints is Full of Select Readings: The Glory of God The Glory of God: Enlightens the Church The Glory of God: Exhibited in Christ The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Holiness The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Majesty The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Name The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Power The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Works The Glory of God: Exhibited to His Church The Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses The Glory of God: Exhibited to Stephen The Glory of God: God is Jealous The Glory of God: Highly Exalted The Glory of God: Plead in Prayer The Glory of God: Saints Desire to Behold The Glory of God: The Earth is Full of The Glory of God: The Knowledge of, Shall Fill the Earth Related Terms Strengthened (113 Occurrences) |
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