“For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.”– 2 Corinthians 3:11 (KJV)
“So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!”– 2 Corinthians 3:11 (NLT)
“If that which was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!”– 2 Corinthians 3:11 (MSG)
What Does 2 Corinthians 3:11 Mean?
This verse, 2 Corinthians 3:11, speaks to the contrast between the old covenant of the Law and the new covenant of grace brought through Jesus Christ. The verse highlights that the glory of the old way, which was the Law given to Moses, was temporary and fading. However, the glory of the new way, which is Christ and the salvation He offers, is everlasting. The passage draws our attention to God’s plan for humanity resulting in a relationship rooted in grace rather than strict regulations. It reminds us that while the old covenant had its glory, it was merely a foreshadowing of what was to come in Christ. We see that what remains—the new covenant—is far more glorious and significant to our faith journey today.
The key idea is that the message of grace, love, and redemption in Christ shines brighter and is more transformative than the Law ever could be. As we reflect on this truth, we are encouraged to embrace the life we now have in Christ—a life that is abundant, free, and wrapped in God’s loving embrace.
2 Corinthians 3:11 Explanation and Commentary
In this context, Paul is addressing the Corinthian church to clarify the differences between the old and new covenants. The challenges faced by the early church included misunderstandings regarding the role of the Law. Many Jewish believers were still clinging to the old ways, trying to enforce laws that were fulfilled through Christ. Paul emphasizes that the old covenant, while glorious in its time, was made to lead us to a greater truth. In Galatians 3:24, Paul mentions that the Law was a tutor to bring us to Christ so that we could be justified by faith.
We find ourselves in the “new covenant” that surpasses the glory of the old. One of the profound aspects of this verse is recognizing that the glory revealed in the Law was indeed radiant, primarily because it reflected God’s holiness and righteousness. However, it was also temporary as it was never meant to be the final word. It pointed to the reality of Christ, who embodies the fullness of that glory. Jesus said in John 14:6 that He is “the way, the truth, and the life,” and through Him, we can access a relationship with God—a reality that didn’t exist under the Law.
It’s essential to understand that this new covenant brings freedom, as noted in 2 Corinthians 3:17, which states that “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” The Holy Spirit equips us to live according to God’s desires, enabling us to live not in fear of judgment but in the assurance of our identity in Christ. The epistle to the Romans also echoes this sentiment in Romans 8:1, where it states that “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This new stance brings a more profound significance to our lives than the old covenant ever could.
As we ponder this scripture, we are reminded of God’s relentless grace pouring into our hearts. It serves as a reminder that we do not have to earn His love or acceptance through our efforts but instead, we are free to rest in the reality of His redemptive work. When we consider the eternal weight of this truth, how can we not be encouraged and move forward with joy, knowing that in Christ we stand in grace?
Context of 2 Corinthians 3:11
To grasp the full meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:11, it is helpful to understand the broader context of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Paul wrote this epistle amidst challenges concerning his authority as an apostle and the legitimacy of his ministry. Some in the Corinthian church were skeptical of Paul’s teachings and actions. Paul passionately defends his ministry, highlighting the character of God and the purpose behind the new covenant.
Paul references the glory of Moses when he received the Law on Mount Sinai, and how his face shone with radiance. However, that glory faded after a while, indicating that the old covenant was always designed to pass away, making way for the new covenant. In the sections preceding verse 11, Paul discusses how the Law’s glory served as a contrast to the glory of the Spirit. The glory of the new covenant surpasses the old, for it does not fade. The transformation it brings is continuous and empowers us to reflect God’s character more fully every day.
Understanding this context helps us appreciate the depth of Paul’s thought in this verse. He makes a compelling case against the temptation to revert to old ways based on fear, guilt, or performance. Instead, he encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ as free and transformed individuals. This context reassures us that our faith journey matters deeply and that embracing grace leads us to a life that reflects our Creator’s glory.
This chapter ultimately points us toward the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. The entire passage serves to uplift and inspire us, urging us to embrace the lasting glory through our relationship with Jesus.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 2 Corinthians 3:11
Let’s break down the verse to uncover its many layers of meaning. The phrase “if that which is done away was glorious” indicates that the old covenant had its significance. It points us to the idea that the Law served a purpose, and there was a measure of God’s glory associated with it. The rituals, sacrifices, and commandments were all part of God’s plan to lead people toward holiness. However, we are better off recognizing that this covenant was not the end in itself; instead, it served as a stepping stone to the greater revelation of Jesus Christ.
The second part of the verse, “much more that which remaineth is glorious,” emphasizes that the new covenant is lasting. Glory resides within the transformational power that Christ’s new covenant brings to our hearts and lives. Unlike the fading glory of the tablets of stone, the Spirit of God dwelling within us is eternal and consistent, producing a profound impact in our lives that is constantly unfolding.
As we reflect on the idea of “remaining,” we are encouraged to think about our continuing relationship with Christ. God’s glory continues to be evident as we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, shaping us to live sacrificially, sharing His love with the world around us. It reminds us that we are called to be vessels of His glory, shining the light of Christ in every area of our lives.
In Romans 5:5, we read that the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This is a manifestation of the glory that remains and sustains us as we walk through life. The reality is that we are called to reflect this glory to others, making a lasting difference in our families, communities, and beyond.
As we break down this verse, we see how essential it is for us to embrace our identity in Christ and lean into the power of the Holy Spirit. This glorious relationship invites us to live authentically and generously, bringing honor to our God who makes everything possible in our lives.
Lessons to Learn From 2 Corinthians 3:11
The first lesson we can glean from 2 Corinthians 3:11 revolves around grace. We no longer live trying to meet standards set by laws but in a relationship brimming with love. Jesus fulfilled the Law and now offers us grace, allowing us to grow and learn, not out of obligation, but from a place of gratitude and love. When we embrace this truth, burdens are lifted, and we can live fearlessly in our pursuit of God.
Another lesson centers on the concept of glory. It is fascinating to realize that while the old covenant had its glory, it pales in comparison to what we have access to in Christ. The depth of God’s love and relationship in the new covenant shines brightly, illuminating our lives. This perspective invites us to seek the fullness of God in our daily interactions, knowing that His glory can manifest in every aspect of our lives.
Furthermore, the ongoing transformation we experience is a key takeaway. This process shapes us into the believers we are meant to be in Christ. As we reflect on God’s glory, we see that He continually transforms us into His likeness. This serves as a beautiful reminder that, while we may stumble or face challenges, we always have an opportunity for growth and renewal through Christ.
Moreover, we are called to honor this glory by reflecting it in our actions. All we do—our relationships, work, and service—should express the love and grace we have received. This means that our lives can serve as a living testimony to others, showing the impact of God’s glory alive in us.
Let us remember that we are a part of a kingdom that operates under grace, a transformative reality that empowers us to impact the world around us for good. This means we do not merely exist; instead, we are called to thrive in the love and power of God.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on 2 Corinthians 3:11, we are reminded of the amazing grace and glory of God through Christ. We can take heart knowing that our relationship with Him does not depend on following rules or regulations but on His unconditional love and grace. We walk not in the shadow of the old covenant but in the new light of Christ’s enduring glory that empowers us to live fully.
This verse serves as a beautiful reminder for us to lean into the love that transforms. We can allow the Spirit to renew our hearts and minds, guiding us in faith and action every day. Also, let us commit to sharing this love and grace with others, becoming vessels of His glory in the world.
As we journey together, we encourage you to take a moment to explore more topics in the Bible that can deepen your understanding and encourage you in your faith. You might find inspiring lessons in 1 Samuel 20:3 or discover the richness in 1 Corinthians 14:17 that can strengthen your walk with God. Let us embrace the fullness of the new covenant, reflecting His glory every day!