Unspoken Sermons · Chapter
The Mirrors of the Lord explained
This chapter explores the transformative power of beholding the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, as reflected in 2 Corinthians 3:18.
What happens
This chapter explores the transformative power of beholding the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, as reflected in 2 Corinthians 3:18. It emphasizes that by receiving Christ into our hearts, we are changed from glory to glory, becoming mirrors that reflect his divine image. The chapter contrasts the fading glory on Moses' face with the surpassing, eternal glory of Christ, and stresses that true salvation comes through obedience, childlike insight, and the indwelling of Christ's spirit, which makes us one with God.
Themes in this chapter
Inner Transformation and Perfection
The chapter describes how beholding Christ's glory transforms believers from glory to glory, perfecting the divine life inherited from the Father.
Revelation Through Christ
Jesus Christ is presented as the only true likeness of the Father; revelation comes through childlike insight and receiving Christ's image.
Critique of Religious Legalism
Paul's teaching is contrasted with 'Christian systems' that distort God into a legalistic magistrate; true salvation is through obedience to the Lord of Life, not a plan.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Central figure whose glory is beheld and reflected; the indwelling Christ transforms believers into his image.
- God the Father
The origin of divine life and glory; the Father whose image we are made in and whose will is love and harmony.
- St. Paul
Author of the epistle quoted; his practical mysticism and emphasis on obedience and childlike insight are highlighted.
- Moses
His face shone after speaking with God, but the glory faded; his veil symbolizes the obscured understanding of the Jews.
- The Jews
Their hearts are veiled, preventing them from seeing the surpassing glory of Christ.
Key passages
“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.”
All of us, with unveiled faces, reflect the Lord's glory like a mirror and are transformed into his likeness, progressing from one degree of glory to another, through the Spirit of the Lord.
This is the central verse (2 Corinthians 3:18) that the chapter expounds, emphasizing transformation through beholding Christ.
“When Moses came out from speaking with God, his face was radiant; its shining was a wonder to the people, and a power upon them. But the radiance began at once to diminish and die away, as was natural, for it was not indigenous in Moses.”
Moses' face shone after talking with God, amazing the people, but the glow faded quickly because it was not an inherent part of him.
This illustrates the temporary nature of the old covenant's glory compared to the eternal glory of Christ.