2 Corinthians 3:18

DISCOURSE: 2012
THE EXCELLENCY AND EFFICACY OF THE GOSPEL

2 Corinthians 3:18. But we all, with 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 lived 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 ministration 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 harmonizing and glorified in the work of redemption. Thus it is a revelation of “the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ [Note: 2 Corinthians 4:6.].”]

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 comprehend the full scope of the law which he published [Note: ver. 13.]: but this veil is taken away by Christ [Note: ver. 14.]. 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 declarations. 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 our hearts. It renews us after the very image of our Lord and Saviour. It does this in every person who truly beholds it.]

Every fresh discovery which it makes to us of Christ’s glory increases that effect—
[The first exercise of faith in Christ makes a great change, but subsequent views of his glory advance the work of sanctification. In this way is our progress in holiness carried on to perfection.]
This power, however, it derives wholly from “the Spirit of the Lord”—
[The Gospel has not that power in itself. Were its power inherent, it would operate uniformly on all: but its operation is dependent on the will of God [Note: 1 Corinthians 12:11.]. The word is called “the sword of the Spirit.” It is the Spirit’s instrument whereby he subdues souls to the obedience of faith. Every fresh effect produced by it arises from the concurring operation of the Spirit: yet as it is the great instrument whereby the Spirit works, the effects are properly ascribed to it.]

Infer—
1.

How great a blessing it is to have the Gospel preached to us—

[Nothing else will produce the effects here ascribed to the Gospel. The terrors of the law may alarm, but will not sanctify the heart; but the mild accents of the Gospel win the soul. A manifestation of Christ’s glory constrains us to obedience. Let all rejoice therefore in hearing the glad tidings. Let all endeavour to experience these glorious effects.]

2. Whence it is that many make so small a proficiency in holiness—

[Many truly desire to advance in holiness, but they seek it in dependence on their own strength. Hence they make but a small progress in the divine life. They should rather use the means prescribed in the text. They should be often occupied in surveying the glory of Christ. The discoveries of his glory would do more than all their legal exertions — — — Let every eye therefore be fixed on him, till the effects appear both in our hearts and lives. Our views of him ere long shall be incomparably brighter [Note: 1 Corinthians 13:12.]; then the effects also shall be proportionably increased [Note: 1 John 3:2.]