2 Corinthians 3:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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.

NIV: 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.

NASB: But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

CSB: We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.

NLT: So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord — who is the Spirit — makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

KJV: But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

NKJV: But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Paul has been referencing Exodus 34, which describes how the skin of Moses' face would shine after meeting with God. Moses' face so powerfully reflected God's glory that he covered it with a veil to protect the Israelites from even the reflection of God's presence with them. Their sin had caused their minds to be hardened. In that condition, God's glory was unbearable to them.

Paul has described the only way for this separation between sinful humans and God's glory to be removed. It is not through study or attempts at obedience or even through religiously following the law. God removes this "veil" between Himself and people only when they come to Him through faith in Christ. Only in Christ is sin forgiven once and for all. Only then does God's Holy Spirit act to remove the veil of hardness and allow those in Christ to see God's glory as He has revealed it in Jesus.

Now Paul shows that this moment of spiritual revelation is followed by spiritual transformation. With the veil gone, all those in Christ have unveiled faces, boldly looking at Christ, who is the glory of God. We can now see Him for who and what He is. This act of seeing, of understanding, the nature of Christ begins the process through which God transforms His children into the image of Christ.

Paul writes that this change happens from "one degree of glory to another" or "from glory to glory" in the Greek language. It is a remarkable promise. Not only are those in Christ finally freed to see God's glory, but they begin to become God's glory as they begin to become like Christ. This is not something we accomplish for ourselves through study or discipline or self-will. Paul insists that it is the Spirit of God who makes this happen in all of those who are in Christ Jesus. Seeing the glory of God in Christ initiates what some scholars call "progressive sanctification," meaning that we will become more and more like Him as we are changed by the Spirit over time.

Second Corinthians 3:7–18 contains Paul's comparison of the glory of God revealed in two covenants. The first is the Old Covenant with Israel, second is the far greater glory revealed in the new covenant of God's grace through faith in Christ. The glory of the Old Covenant is fading just as it did on Moses' face after he had been with God. Those who come to God through faith in Christ are forgiven for their sins and able to look on God's glory. The veil of unbelief must be removed by the Spirit through Christ. Those who see Him begin to become like Him.

Second Corinthians 3 begins with Paul's insistence that Christ's presence in the hearts of the Corinthians should be all the evidence they need that his ministry is true. He compares the limited glory revealed by the Old Covenant between God and Israel with the far greater glory revealed by Christ to all who come to Him by faith. That glory is revealed only when the veil of unbelief is removed through Christ by the Holy Spirit's power. Those who see God's glory in Christ begin to be changed to become like Him.

Earlier chapters described the Corinthians' response to Paul's earlier instructions. Here, Paul once again defends the legitimacy of his role as an apostle of Christ. He then compares the old covenant of the law of Moses with the new covenant of faith in Christ. The old covenant revealed human sinfulness, God's condemnation, and the death required to pay for sin. The new covenant brings God's forgiveness for sin to all who trust in Christ, making it possible to look on His glory and to begin to be changed by it into the image of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. This launches Paul into a description of the value of the gospel, in contrast to the struggles of earthly life.

Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul is glad to hear that the church in Corinth has heeded his advice. At the same time, it is necessary for Paul to counter criticisms about his personality and legitimacy. Most of this text involves that subject. The fifth chapter, in contrast, contains comforting words which Christians have quoted often in times of hardship. Paul also details his expectations that the church in Corinth will make good on their promise to contribute to the needs of suffering believers in Jerusalem.