“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 4:18
To understand this scripture, we first have to recall a story from the Old Testament. In Exodus 39, after Moses has spent time in the presence of God on Mount Sinai, he comes down from the mountain and all the people are scared of him. They’re scared because his face is radiant. Spending time with God literally was reflected in his face. In order to not cause any fear or panic in the people, he wore a veil to hide the glory on his face. However, the glory faded and eventually his face returned to normal
So, how does that relate to this verse in 2 Corinthians? Well, Paul is explaining that as Christians, through the Holy Spirit, we can be in the presence of God as Moses was and experience that same glory, but without the part where it fades back to normalcy. With Christ, our relationship with God doesn’t have to fade in and out, but it is a constant state of glory.
Paul says that not only does the glory remain, but for those who are in Christ, we are continually transforming to be more and more like him. We have the ability to be consistently in his presence. His glory never has to leave us. Through Christ we can not only reflect his glory, but be transformed into his very likeness.
That’s the power of the Holy Spirit. That’s the reason why God sent his Spirit to dwell among us. We can always be in his presence, and we will never have to veil our faces to hide it.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for sending us your Spirit. Thank you for Jesus who bridged the gap between you, our perfect and holy God, and us, unworthy sinners. Thank you for living in us and transforming us to your glory.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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