REAL FREEDOM

Passage: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Key verse: 17

NIV

12 Therefore, since we have such a hope,(A) we are very bold.(B) 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face(C) to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull,(D) for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant(E) is read.(F) It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord,(G) the veil is taken away.(H) 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit,(I) and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.(J) 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a](K) the Lord’s glory,(L) are being transformed into his image(M) with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

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Footnotes
  1. 2 Corinthians 3:18 Or reflect
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

12 Since we have such a hope, (A)we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, (B)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. 14 But (C)their minds were (D)hardened. For to this day, (E)when they read (F)the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when (G)one[a] turns to the Lord, (H)the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord[b] is the Spirit, and where (I)the Spirit of the Lord is, there is (J)freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, (K)beholding (L)the glory of the Lord,[c] (M)are being transformed into the same image (N)from one degree of glory to another.[d] For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

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Footnotes
  1. 2 Corinthians 3:16 Greek he
  2. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Or this Lord
  3. 2 Corinthians 3:18 Or reflecting the glory of the Lord
  4. 2 Corinthians 3:18 Greek from glory to glory
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. The veil that covers the heart (12-15)

When Moses talked with God on the mountain, his face shone with the glory of God. But when he came down and stayed with the people, the glory gradually faded. He put a veil over his face to conceal the fading glory. Paul draws an analogy from this. Those who read the Old Testament and do not know Christ also have a veil over their hearts.

2. Unveiled faces that reflect God's glory (16-18)

Only Christ removes the veil, for he cleanses us of sin and gives us his Spirit. When one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. The Spirit can work freely to transform us into the image of Christ. Instead of fading glory, he gives us ever increasing glory, glory that lasts. It is the Spirit in us who reveals the glory of God.

Prayer: Lord, take the veil away from my mind and heart and fill me with your Spirit. Transform me by your Spirit into the image of Christ.

One Word: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom