From Veil to Glory: Embracing the New Covenant
Summary
This morning, we gathered to reflect on the profound distinction between the old and new covenants, as Paul lays out in 2 Corinthians 3. The Mosaic covenant, represented by the law written on stone, brought with it a sense of condemnation and death, revealing our inability to live up to God’s perfect standard. Yet, even this covenant was marked by glory—Moses’ face shone so brightly after being with God that he had to cover it with a veil when among the people. This veil became a symbol of the separation between sinful humanity and the holy presence of God.
But in Christ, everything changes. Jesus is the perfect manifestation of God’s glory, the fullness of God’s character revealed to us. He did not abolish the law but fulfilled it, and through His sacrifice, He established a new, everlasting covenant. Now, the law is written not on tablets of stone but on our hearts. The veil that once separated us from God’s presence is removed—not by our own effort, but by God’s gracious initiative. This is what Paul calls the “divine passive”—it is God who removes the veil, opening our eyes to the truth of the gospel and granting us freedom from the captivity of sin.
With unveiled faces, we are invited to contemplate the Lord’s glory and to be transformed into His image. This transformation, or sanctification, is an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit within us. As we grow in Christlikeness, we become living testimonies to the world, spreading the aroma of the gospel wherever we go. Our lives are not our own accomplishments, but the result of God’s mercy and power at work in us. We are called to boldness, to share the good news, and to trust that God is the one who draws people to Himself, removing veils and bringing new life.
For those who feel far from God or are striving to earn His favor, the invitation is clear: stop striving and rest in the finished work of Christ. God alone removes the veil, and He calls each of us to respond to His grace. As we surrender, He molds us, shapes us, and uses us to reflect His glory to a world in need.
Key Takeaways
- The old covenant, though glorious, was ultimately a ministry of condemnation and death, revealing our inability to meet God’s standard. In contrast, the new covenant in Christ brings righteousness, life, and an everlasting relationship with God, as the law is now written on our hearts and not on stone. [38:07]
- The veil that separated humanity from God’s glory is a powerful image of our spiritual blindness and separation due to sin. Only in Christ is this veil removed, allowing us to approach God freely and experience His presence without fear or shame. [41:40]
- The removal of the veil is entirely God’s work—a “divine passive.” We do not save ourselves or open our own eyes; it is God who graciously intervenes, removes our blindness, and draws us to Himself. This humbles us and leads us to worship, recognizing that salvation is by grace alone. [46:48]
- Transformation into Christ’s image is a lifelong process, empowered by the Holy Spirit. As we contemplate the Lord’s glory, we are changed from the inside out, reflecting more and more of His character, and becoming living witnesses to the world of God’s redeeming power. [49:09]
- Our calling is to boldly share the aroma of the gospel, trusting that God is at work in us and through us. We are not responsible for removing the veil from others’ eyes, but we are called to faithfully live and proclaim the good news, knowing that God alone brings true spiritual awakening. [55:07]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction and Prayer
[02:10] - Recap of 2 Corinthians and the Aroma of Christ
[05:00] - The Glory of the Old and New Covenants
[08:30] - Understanding Glory: Jesus as God Revealed
[12:00] - Mosaic Covenant vs. New Covenant
[15:00] - The Veil: Symbol of Separation
[18:00] - The Veil in the Temple and Moses’ Experience
[21:00] - Paul’s Testimony: Saul to Paul
[24:00] - The Divine Passive: God Removes the Veil
[27:00] - Freedom in Christ and Spiritual Transformation
[30:00] - Application: Contemplating the Lord’s Glory
[33:00] - The Ongoing Work of Sanctification
[36:00] - Our Role: Spreading the Aroma of the Gospel
[39:00] - Responding to God’s Call and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Old and New Covenants, the Veil, and Transformation in Christ
_Based on 2 Corinthians 3 and the sermon summary provided_
---
### Bible Reading
- 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
(The main text of the sermon, focusing on the contrast between the old and new covenants, the veil, and transformation by the Spirit.)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In 2 Corinthians 3, what does Paul say about the glory of the old covenant compared to the new covenant?
2. What was the purpose of the veil Moses wore after being in God’s presence, according to the sermon? [[39:27]]
3. According to Paul, who removes the veil that separates us from God, and how is this described in the sermon? [[45:39]]
4. What does Paul say happens to us when the veil is removed and we contemplate the Lord’s glory? [[49:09]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul describe the old covenant as a “ministry of condemnation and death,” and how does this help us understand our need for Christ? [[38:07]]
2. The sermon talks about the “divine passive”—that God alone removes the veil. How does this shape our understanding of salvation and our own efforts? [[46:48]]
3. What does it mean to be “transformed into Christ’s image with ever-increasing glory,” and how is this process described as ongoing in the sermon? [[49:09]]
4. The sermon mentions that we are called to be “the aroma of the gospel” in the world. What does this look like in practical terms, and why is it important that we trust God to do the work of removing the veil in others? [[55:07]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that the old covenant revealed our inability to meet God’s standard and brought a sense of condemnation. Are there areas in your life where you still feel like you have to “measure up” to earn God’s favor? How does the new covenant change your approach to God? [[38:07]]
2. The veil is described as a symbol of spiritual blindness and separation from God. Can you remember a time when you felt distant from God or unable to see His work in your life? What helped you move closer to Him? [[41:40]]
3. The sermon emphasizes that only God removes the veil and draws people to Himself. How does this truth affect the way you pray for friends or family who don’t yet know Jesus? [[46:48]]
4. Transformation into Christ’s image is described as a lifelong process. What is one area of your character or daily life where you sense the Holy Spirit is working to make you more like Jesus? How can you cooperate with that work this week? [[49:09]]
5. The pastor said, “We are called to boldly share the aroma of the gospel.” Who is one person in your life you feel God is nudging you to share your faith with, and what is one step you can take to do that? [[55:07]]
6. For those who feel far from God or are striving to earn His favor, the sermon invites us to “stop striving and rest in the finished work of Christ.” What would it look like for you to rest in Christ this week instead of striving? [[57:48]]
7. The sermon describes how God molds and shapes us as we surrender to Him. Is there an area of your life where you sense God is asking you to surrender or trust Him more? What is holding you back, and how can your group pray for you in this? [[59:19]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to thank God for removing the veil and for the ongoing work of transformation by the Holy Spirit. Pray for boldness to share the gospel and for specific people in your lives who need to experience God’s grace.
Devotional
Day 1: The Surpassing Glory of the New Covenant
The new covenant in Christ brings a greater, lasting glory than the old covenant, replacing condemnation with righteousness and life. The Mosaic law, written on stone, revealed humanity’s inability to fulfill God’s standards and brought about condemnation and death. But in Jesus Christ, the law is fulfilled, and the new covenant is written on our hearts, offering us righteousness, life, and a relationship with God that is everlasting. This surpassing glory is not temporary or fading, but permanent and transformative, inviting us to live boldly in hope and freedom, knowing that Christ has made a way for us to approach God without fear. [38:07]
2 Corinthians 3:7-11 (ESV)
"Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you still living as if you are under condemnation, rather than embracing the righteousness and freedom Christ has given you? How can you step into the hope and boldness of the new covenant today?
Day 2: Only God Removes the Veil
It is God alone who removes the veil from our hearts, enabling us to see and know Christ, and bringing us from spiritual blindness into the freedom of His presence. The veil that once separated sinful humanity from the glory of God is not something we can remove by our own effort or decision; it is a divine act of grace. Just as Moses removed his veil only in God’s presence, so too does God, by His Spirit, take away the veil from our hearts, allowing us to behold His glory and experience true spiritual freedom. This freedom is not political or economic, but a liberation from sin and spiritual blindness, made possible by God’s initiative and mercy. [46:48]
2 Corinthians 3:14-17 (ESV)
"But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when God opened your eyes to a truth you could not see before? How might you pray for God to remove the veil from someone you know who is spiritually blind?
Day 3: Transformation by the Spirit into Christ’s Image
As we behold the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, the Holy Spirit transforms us, shaping us more and more into the likeness of Jesus Christ. This ongoing process, called sanctification, is not about boasting in our own accomplishments but about yielding to the Spirit’s work within us. The more we contemplate Christ’s glory, the more our character, attitudes, and actions reflect His love, grace, and truth. This transformation is a gift from God, who desires that we display His image to the world, growing in ever-increasing glory as we walk with Him. [51:51]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your character that the Holy Spirit is prompting you to surrender so you can be transformed more into Christ’s likeness?
Day 4: Sharing the Aroma of Christ
We are called to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Christ everywhere, living as those who have been changed by His grace and boldly sharing the gospel with others. Our transformation is not for ourselves alone; as we grow in Christ, we become living testimonies of His power to save and change lives. The world is watching, and through our words, actions, and love, we have the privilege and responsibility to make Christ known, carrying His presence into every place we go. This is not optional or reserved for a select few, but the calling of every believer who has received the Spirit and been set free. [55:07]
2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)
"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the aroma of Christ through you today, and what is one intentional way you can share His love or truth with them?
Day 5: Responding to God’s Call and Surrendering to His Work
God calls each of us to respond as He removes the veil from our hearts, inviting us to surrender our own ways and rest in Him, allowing His Spirit to mold and shape us for His glory. No one is deserving of this grace, yet God, in His mercy, draws us to Himself, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. Our response is to yield, to stop striving in our own strength, and to trust His transforming work. As we do, we witness not only our own lives changed but also the lives of others, as God brings people from brokenness to new life in Christ. [57:48]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Is there an area where you sense God calling you to surrender or respond in faith today? What step of obedience can you take to yield to His transforming work in your life?
Quotes
Not one of us deserve the gift of grace we find in Jesus Christ. Not one of us. And then somehow, in some way, and oftentimes in the most peculiar of ways, God begins to remove the veil. And he calls you to himself. He says, stop doing this on your own. It's not working. Come to me and rest in me. [00:57:42] (26 seconds)
We don't live in this captivity of sinfulness any longer. It is God who takes the veil off. It is God who tears the curtain so that sinful man can be in the presence of God. It is God who does the work in saving His people. [00:47:14] (18 seconds)
We so badly want to take responsibility and say, well, you know, I made the decision. It was my choice. It was my way. It was mine. And it's just an uneducated, immature view of what's actually happening in Scripture. Because what God is saying, I'm the one that removes the veil. Do you really think you have that kind of power? [00:47:33] (22 seconds)
Because under the old covenant, the presence of God had to be veiled. But Jesus removed the veil. And he removes the veil for whomever he decides to remove the veil for. [00:52:49] (16 seconds)
This is the freedom of spiritual understanding that we can now be free from the sins of our lives, from the ways in which we once lived, from the darkness and depravity of once we were born into by the power of God. [00:48:45] (19 seconds)
This is what, once we've accepted Jesus Christ and been baptized, this is that ongoing process, whereby God is working and molding and shaping us through His Holy Spirit and transforming us and making us look more and more and more and more like Him. We call it sanctification. [00:51:26] (25 seconds)
God, through his infinite work of the Holy Spirit within, begins to transform the characteristics of their lives. Takes that clay and begins to mold it and shape it perfectly into what he desires for us to be, to look more and more like his image. So that he would be glorified. And that we could tell the world of the aroma of the gospel of Jesus Christ. [00:59:30] (27 seconds)
We don't, for a moment, boast in our accomplishments. We don't, for a moment, boast in who we are or what we've done or the fact that I'm a believer and so -and -so is not. No, this all comes by way of the Spirit. This comes by way of the Lord. [00:52:09] (16 seconds)
That which was Moses and that which is Jesus. The letters of stone on the tablets is now written on the hearts of God's children. The law brought about death. It revealed the fact that we can't live up to the law. But in Jesus Christ, he did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill the law and he brought life. [00:37:58] (20 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 11, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?