2 Corinthians 3:12-18

                                                             2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end.  But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.  Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts.  But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.  For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

 

The Gospel has an impact on people.  When the Gospel is heard and understood, it brings about changes in the way we think and live.  The Spirit of God comes into our lives because of the Gospel, and He makes all things new in our lives.  We need to understand that the mission of God is to change people’s lives; and that the means He uses to accomplish that mission is the Gospel.

 

THE GOSPEL IS ILLUMINATING MINDS: The Gospel reveals the truth to us about Christ and how we can be reconciled to God.  The face of Moses glowed after receiving the Law and he wore a veil to avoid the discomfort of the people who saw him speak.  However, with time the veil served to cover the fact that the glow was fading.  Many who read the Old Testament continue to see it with a veil that hides the truth and understanding the man desperately needs.  When the Gospel of Christ is understood those minds are opened and the truth comes to light.

 

THE GOSPEL IS LIBERATING HEARTS: The power of sin over the lives of men is crippling and enslaving.  The Law only reveals that truth more dramatically in our lives.  The Gospel changes all of that.  Through the truth of the Gospel, we are forgiven of our sins for eternity.  However, beyond forgiveness, we have also been set free from the power of sin over us.  That does not mean we will not struggle with sin; it means we are given strength to overcome it and the assurance that one day we will be completely free from any type of sin. 

 

THE GOSPEL IS TRANSFORMING LIVES: The work of the Gospel through the power of the Spirit is transforming us by conforming us to the image of Christ.  His character is being produced in our lives.  We will spend eternity as people who have been conformed to His glorious image.  This transformation is a testimony to His glory.  We share in this glory in the sense that it is a glorious thing to live in conformity to Christ.  However, all the glory in the sense of awe and worship belongs to Christ alone. 

 

APPLICATION: Allow the truth of the Gospel to inform our thinking.  Understand that we are not captives of sin and are free to live in obedience to Him.  Enjoy the hope and the experience of being transformed into the image of Christ.

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