From Glory to Glory

Text: 2 Cor 3:16-18

16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 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.
Introduction: Why from glory to glory? This is about the strength of the Old Covenant vs, New Covenant—there is glory in each of the covenant.

• The Old Covenant was a conditional agreement that God made with the Israelites during the dispensation of the Law. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place where God’s presence dwelt—and that only once a year.

2 Cor 3:10-12-10

The glory of the old Covenant is nothing compared with the far greater glory of the new.11 The glory of the old lasts for only a short time. How much greater is the glory of the new! It will last forever.12 Since we have that kind of hope, we are very bold.

• The New Covenant- things change, God becomes the unconditional source of Salvation and blessing established through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Romans 5:8 “God demonstrates his own love for us; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”

Heb 10:19-22

Jesus is our High Priest, Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

I. VEILED vs UNVEILED:

VEILED means Under the Old Covenant, Moses wore a veil because the glory of God was overwhelming, and his face was shining (radiant) Exodus 34:29-35
UNVEIL means VEIL is LIFTED UP IN CHRIST: Brings us direct access to God. In the New covenant, believers have “unveiled faces “now we are given the ability to behold His glory.

• Matt 27:51–“behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth shook, and the rocks were split”
• 2 Cor 3:14-16(Normal) But the people’s minds were hardened and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds, so they cannot understand the truth. This veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. 15Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But, whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

II. TWO GLORIES:

From the glory of the law, which “kills” in its strictness, to the glory of the Spirit, which gives life and righteousness by faith.

First glory

The LAW: which was holy and righteous but limited in its ability to bring life.

• 2 Cor 3:6 – He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant
• Exodus 16:10 -“the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud” to the Israelites in the wilderness in a tangible form
• Exodus 24:16-17 – the glory of the LORD settles on the Mt Sinai, described as “a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the sight of the Israelites.” It speaks of God’s holiness and seriousness of the covenant with Israel.
• Exodus 40:34-35 -The tabernacle and later the Temple built by Solomon, it showed God’s desire to dwell among His people, dedicated to His worship
• 1 Kings 8:10-11 – When the priests came out of the Holy Place, a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. 11 The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of the Lord.

Second glory refers to the GOSPEL: brings life and transformation through the Spirit

• John 1:14 – The Incarnation of Christ–“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. The glory of the one and only son full of grace and truth
• Matt. 17:2 -The Transfiguration: There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
• The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful demonstration of God’s glory, as it signifies victory over sin and death.
• The ascension explains Jesus is exalted to the right hand of the Father, a position of honor and glory.
• Matt 24:30 -The Second Coming: speaks of the Son of Man coming “on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory,”

III. EVER-INCREASING GLORY:

Each stage of spiritual growth brings a deeper experience of God’s presence and a closer reflection of Christ’s image, the eternal glory in heaven.

CONCLUSION:

Therefore, the Glory of the LORD throughout Scripture, calls for our response to worship and reverence His presence. HAS THE VEIL BEEN REMOVED? Worship the glory of His presence and encounter Christ!