2 Cor. iii. 18. But we all, tvith open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
THE Jews, when compared with the heathen world, were highly privileged ; but the dispensation
under which they hved was in every respect inferior to that of the Gospel. Of this we are fully informed in the chapter before us. The Apostle, in vindicating his own character, incidentally mentions the blessings which the Corinthians had experienced by means of his ministry : hence he takes occasion to set forth the superior excellency of the Gospel above the law. In confirmation of this point, we will shew,
I. The excellency of the Gospel —
In the context the law is spoken of as a ministra- tion of condemnation ; whereas the Gospel is a ministration of the Spirit and of righteousness. Of the Gospel it may be said,
1. It is a revelation of the " glory of the Lord" — [The law was in some degree a manifestation of the
Divine glory ; it displayed, however, chiefly the majesty and holiness of the Deity: but the Gospel displays the love and mercy of God; it exhibits all the perfections of God har- monizing and glorified in the work of redemption. Thus it is a revelation of " the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ ^"]
2. It manifests this glory to the soul —
[Moses veiled the Divine lustre which shined in his face. This was an intimation to the Jews that they could not com- prehend the full scope of the law which he published^: but this veil is taken away by Christ*^. The Gospel reflects Christ's glory
as a mirror reflects the sun We behold that glory
" with open, i. e. unveiled face." This is the common privilege of " all " who believe.]
Nor is it more excellent in its discoveries than in its effects :
II. The efficacy of it —
The Apostle ascribes a wonderful efficacy to the Gospel. Experience attests the truth of his declara- tions. It transforms the soul into the Divine image — [A view of Jehovah's glory caused the face of Moses to shine ; but a view of Christ's glory in the Gospel changes otir hearts. It renews us after the very image of our Lord and Saviour. It does this in every person who truly beholds it]
a 2 Cor. iv. G. ^ vcr. 13. <= ver. 14.