Systematic Theology: A 7-Day Crash CourseSample

Christian Life: Sanctification

Paul teaches that the new covenant surpasses the old. The old covenant had glory such that the Israelites could not look directly at its reflection in the face of Moses, who had to wear a veil. But the new covenant eclipses the glory of the old because it is characterized by the Spirit, right standing with God, and permanence (vv. 7–11).

As a result, those living under the new covenant have more boldness than their old covenant counterparts, who could not bear to gaze at God’s glory (vv. 12–13). In fact, unsaved Jews still have hardened hearts (a “veil”) separating them from God and prohibiting them from seeing how the law of Moses points to Jesus as Messiah (vv. 14–15). When they turn to Christ in faith, however, the Holy Spirit removes the veil of separation from God and sets them free (vv. 16–17).

Consequently, by the Spirit all new covenant believers behold the glory of the Lord Jesus—“the image of God” (4:4)—and as a result are “being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (3:18). According to this startling statement of progressive sanctification, God reveals his glory in the person of Christ to all who believe the gospel, and the Spirit transforms them when they see the crucified and risen Christ’s glory. Though it will not be complete until the last day, the Spirit’s transformation is already working in new covenant believers to bring them into greater conformity with the moral and spiritual likeness of the glorified Christ.

Theology for Life—There is great encouragement in God’s changing us by enabling us to see the glory of the crucified and risen One.