Ever-Increasing Glory

Ever-Increasing Glory

Words of Faith 9-15-17

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2017

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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2 Corinthians 3

[17] Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. [18] And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

       What is the biggest difference between the Old Covenant and the New? Freedom!  

       In the Old Covenant when Moses entered the Lord's presence he removed his veil. In the New Covenant it is the Spirit who removes the veil. The Holy Spirit is the personal "Agent" of Christ and the result is freedom.

       This is the work of the Lord.   He is the Spirit of the Lord. The Two are One in purpose and in result. Paul's words the Lord is the Spirit do not confuse these two Persons of the Godhead. Instead, they affirm the Holy Spirit's deity.

       Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. Don't miss that! The paradox of faith in Christ is that He captures us with His love and grace, and then sets us free. It is for freedom that He has set us free. And where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom!

       The huge and central result of the New Covenant is freedom. Elsewhere Paul compared those under the Old Covenant to children of slavery and those under the New to children of freedom (Gal. 4:24-31). This freedom is possible because Christ has redeemed from the penalty of the Law those who believe so that they become children of God. This freedom as children is confirmed by the Spirit, who enables Christians to call God Father.

       Remember how the glory evident in Moses' face was a diminishing radiance. By contrast, in the faces of Christians is God's ever-increasing glory. "Ever-increasing glory" is the NIV rendering of the Greek phrase "from glory into glory". It means "from one stage of glory to another".   Christians' glory, like that of Moses, is a reflection of the Lord's glory. But unlike Moses' transitory glory a believer's glory is eternal. This is because of God's abiding presence through the Holy Spirit.

       This glory is the experience of salvation available in the New Covenant and mediated by the Spirit who leads Christians from justification through sanctification to glorification. As believers manifest the fruit of the Spirit, they are progressively being transformed into His likeness. Christlikeness is the goal of the Christian walk. No wonder Paul said the New is far superior to the Old!

       Father God, that You for the victory of freedom! Show me the next stage of Your glory. Reveal to me and in me the point of glory that You have for me. Take me apart and remold me-- whatever is necessary-- that I may be more Christlike. In Jesus' Name.