November 24

Read: II Corinthians 3:12’18

The Israelites could not look at Moses’ face because of its brightness… will not the dispensation of the Spirit be attended with greater splendor? (II Corinthians 3:7-8, R.S.V.)

Life In The Spirit (Concluded)

What is the greater splendor of this dispensation in which the Holy Spirit has been given to us in His fullness? Is it not simply the wonder of a more direct and complete access to God? Since we have such hope (v. 12), we are more confident in our approach to God. We put no veil over our faces as Moses did.

The only real barrier between a man and God is the barrier of sin. Men without Christ still have a curtain that shuts them off from God. “But when a man turns to the Lord the veil is removed”

(v. 16, R.S.V.).

Paul’s theology recognizes the unity in the Trinity. He here declares, “Now the Lord is that Spirit.” Wesley also saw clearly the work of the Trinity in full salvation. He wrote, “The incarnation, preaching and death of Jesus Christ were designed to… purchase for us this gift of the Spirit; and therefore, says the apostle, ‘The Lord is that Spirit,’ or the Spirit.”

What is the freedom that comes with this experience? Is it freedom to shout, or to do whatever a man chooses to do within the bounds of his own conscience? These may follow, but this is not what Paul was talking about. Freedom in the Spirit is the freedom of unhindered access to God himself. When all sin is removed, when the Holy Spirit has full control of a man’s life, then is there the completest possible fellowship with God.

In this continuing fellowship we are always drawn toward a more complete likeness to Him whom we love. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another;, for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (v. 18, R.S.V.).

Praise For Today

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ (II Corinthians 2:14).