2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV): “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.”
This scripture provides us with a beautiful and encouraging insight into the transformative power of our relationship with Christ.
The passage begins by mentioning that we, as believers, have “unveiled faces.” In the context of this verse, this imagery represents our access to God’s presence and the ability to behold His glory. In the Old Testament, Moses veiled his face after encountering God because the radiance of God’s presence was too dazzling for the Israelites to bear. However, through Christ, we have direct access to God, and our faces are unveiled. We can now behold and contemplate the glory of the Lord without any barriers.
Transformation into His Image:
The central theme of this verse is transformation. It tells us that as we gaze upon the glory of the Lord, something remarkable happens: we are transformed into His image. This transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing, continuous process. It’s a journey where we become more and more like Christ in character, attitude, and behavior.
Ever-Increasing Glory:
Notice the phrase “ever-increasing glory.” Our transformation is not static; it’s dynamic and progressive. As we walk with Christ and behold His glory, we experience growth and change. The glory we reflect becomes brighter and more pronounced as we mature in our faith. This ever-increasing glory is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit within us, molding and shaping us into the likeness of Christ.
The Role of the Holy Spirit:
The verse underscores that this transformation is not achieved through our efforts alone but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is God’s Spirit working within us, guiding us, empowering us, and producing the fruits of Christ’s character in our lives. Our role is to cooperate with the Spirit, to be open to His leading, and to continually fix our gaze upon the glory of the Lord through prayer, worship, and studying His Word.
2 Corinthians 3:18 is a powerful reminder that our journey of faith is marked by ongoing transformation. As we behold the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, we are gradually conformed to His image. This transformation is a collaborative work between us and the Holy Spirit, and it results in ever-increasing glory as we journey toward becoming more like Christ. It inspires us to embrace continual growth and change as we reflect the beauty and character of our Savior in our lives.
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