2 Corinthians 3:7

“But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:”

Context

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians to address various issues and challenges faced by the early Christian community. In this particular verse, Paul is contrasting the glory of the Old Covenant, represented by the ministry of the law given to Moses, with the surpassing glory of the New Covenant in Jesus Christ.

Key Points:

• The Ministry of Death: Paul refers to the Old Covenant law as the “ministration of death.” This term signifies that the law, although good and holy, revealed the standards of God and exposed human sinfulness, leading to death. The law could not save or bring about righteousness; rather, it highlighted the need for a Savior.
• Written and Engraven in Stones: Paul emphasizes the permanence and rigidity of the Old Covenant law by mentioning that it was “written and engraven in stones.” This refers to the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai, which were written on stone tablets. The unchanging nature of the law is contrasted with the transforming nature of the New Covenant.
• The Glory of Moses’ Face: When Moses received the law from God on Mount Sinai, his face radiated with glory. The Israelites could not bear to look at him directly because of the brilliance emanating from his countenance. This glory was a temporary reflection of the glory of God and was veiled by a veil when Moses interacted with the people (Exodus 34:29-35).

Spiritual Lessons:

• The Insufficiency of the Law: The law revealed the holiness of God and exposed human sinfulness, but it could not provide salvation or transform the human heart. It served as a temporary solution until the coming of Christ, who fulfilled the law and established the New Covenant.
• The Surpassing Glory of the New Covenant: The glory of the New Covenant in Jesus Christ far surpasses the glory of the Old Covenant. In Christ, believers experience forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life. The New Covenant is characterized by grace, love, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
• The Transitory Nature of Earthly Glory: The glory displayed on Moses’ face was temporary and faded away. Similarly, earthly glory and accomplishments are fleeting. True and lasting glory is found in a relationship with God through Christ.
• The Need for a Personal Encounter: The Israelites could not steadfastly behold Moses’ face due to the glory radiating from him. Likewise, encountering the glory of God in Christ requires a personal relationship and an open heart. We need to seek God’s presence and allow His glory to transform us.

Overall, 2 Corinthians 3:7 highlights the contrast between the temporary and fading glory of the Old Covenant law and the surpassing glory of the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. It reminds believers of the insufficiency of the law to save and transform, pointing them to the need for a personal relationship with Christ, who brings eternal and transformative glory.