Being near God changed Moses temporarily. Exodus 34:29-35

• Moses was near the glory of God and it affected his appearance.
  • It was frightening at first to others.
  • Moses would allow the radiance to be seen initially after being with God, but would put a veil over his face between “visits”. 

• The glory of the radiance was a testament to those who followed Moses that he had been in the presence of the glory of Yahweh! 
• This radiance was part of the validation of the law (Ten Commandments/Old Covenant) were written by God.
• As great as a glory it was, it was a fading glory.

“The greater glory of the New Covenant.” NIVN 2 Corinthians 3:7-11

• The difficult truth that the aroma of Christ “written on hearts” (2) provides life, while the law “written on stone” reminds us that death and eternal separation from God awaits us. (7a)
  • The glory of the law faded, as it was not the end to which we can attain.
  • Moses’ face was the reality of the law: you can momentarily draw near to God, but the law is the reminder that we remain inadequate to be in the presence of God.

• The glory of the Law that brought condemnation pales in comparison to the glory of grace that comes with the New Covenant, where those who believe are declared righteous. Condemned vs. Righteous! (9)
  • The glory of the law WAS glorious, whereas the new covenant in Christ IS an all-surpassing glory that does not end. (10)
  • How amazing was the temporary and decreasing glory of Moses and the old covenant, yet how incredible is the increasing and permanent glory of those in Christ. (11)

Be bold and courageous this side of the Cross. 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

• Called to be bold, as we do not have a glory that is decreasing but increasing! (12)
  • We do not have to veil our face to show that we are “declining” in power and glory. (13)
  • We do not live in ignorance of the reality of a fading glory, but in confidence that the glory of Christ in us will intensify. (13-14a)
  • Christ is the revelation of this greater glory. (14b-15)
• Turning to Christ opens the eyes and mind of a person to the reality of God and his redemptive offer of righteousness through Christ. (16)
• This redemptive and imputed righteousness comes from the work of the Spirit of Christ in us. (17)
  • The Holy Spirit liberates us from the shackles of sin and death—freedom!
  • The Spirit reveals the light of truth found in a life with Christ.

• By the power of the Spirit we experience the radiance of Christ. (18)
  • It is a radiance that does not wane but intensifies, as we do not have to depart his presence.
  • The glory shows more brightly as we are being transformed more each day to be a reflection of Christ.
  • This is a daily work of his Spirit.

Take Aways.

1. The glory of Cross grows with each life changed.
2. We need the work of the Spirit to remove the veil and be enlightened to the beauty of Christ’s work on the Cross.
3. The glory of Christ upon our countenance will grow as we are daily being transformed by obedience to the Spirit—and this glory is not in diminishing returns!