Paul contrasts the old covenant, represented by the law given to Moses, with the new covenant established through Christ. He emphasizes that the new covenant is of the Spirit and brings life, whereas the old covenant, written on stone, brought death.
Theological significance
This passage highlights the transition from the law to grace, underscoring the sufficiency of God in making believers competent ministers of the new covenant. It emphasizes the life-giving power of the Spirit over the letter of the law.
In the broader story
The new covenant fulfills the promises of the Old Testament, such as those found in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises a new covenant written on the hearts of His people. It points to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives.
Paul explains the surpassing glory of the new covenant compared to the old. He uses the metaphor of Moses' veiled face to illustrate how the old covenant's glory was temporary and fading, whereas the new covenant's glory is permanent and transformative.
Theological significance
This section underscores the greater glory and permanence of the new covenant. It reveals the transformative power of the Spirit, which brings freedom and unveils the glory of God in believers' lives.
In the broader story
The fading glory of the old covenant points to the need for a more glorious and lasting covenant, fulfilled in Christ. This reflects the transition from the law to the Spirit-led life in the New Testament.
Paul concludes by describing how believers, with unveiled faces, reflect the Lord's glory and are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Theological significance
This passage highlights the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers, leading to spiritual growth and conformity to the image of Christ. It emphasizes the freedom and boldness that come from living under the new covenant.
In the broader story
The transformation of believers into the image of Christ is a key aspect of sanctification, a theme that runs throughout the New Testament, pointing to the ultimate goal of being conformed to the likeness of Christ.
In the order the chapter tells them. The corpus records sequence, not dates — biblical chronology is contested, and this does not take a position on it.