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This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing with our new mini-series, “The Purpose of the Cross.” In our last message we looked at how Jesus took us from condemnation to affirmation. We looked at 2 Corinthians 3:7-11. Let’s continue in this passage.
The Apostle Paul said, “If the Government of Condemnation was impressive, how about this Government of Affirmation? Bright as that old government was, it would look downright dull alongside this new one. If that makeshift arrangement impressed us, how much more this brightly shining government installed for eternity?
With that kind of hope to excite us, nothing holds us back. Unlike Moses, we have nothing to hide. Everything is out in the open with us. He wore a veil so the children of Israel wouldn’t notice that the glory was fading away—and they didn’t notice. They didn’t notice it then and they don’t notice it now, don’t notice that there’s nothing left behind that veil. Even today when the proclamations of that old, bankrupt government are read out, they can’t see through it. Only Christ can get rid of the veil so they can see for themselves that there’s nothing there” (2 Cor 3:12-15 Message Bible).
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. The New Covenant is permanent. The Apostle Paul called the Old Covenant, written on tablets of stone, a “makeshift arrangement,” and he called the New Covenant, written upon the tablets of our hearts, a “government installed for eternity.”
2. Under the New Covenant, nothing can hold us back. While speaking of the glorious nature of the New Covenant — which came to us through Jesus, paid for with His own blood, established for eternity — Paul said, “With that kind of hope to excite us, nothing holds us back.” When you think about Jesus and what He did for you on Calvary’s cross, when you think about the fact that God raised Him from the dead with all power in His hand, and when you think about the New Covenant that was ratified with Jesus’ own blood and how glorious it is, it should give you a divine excitement that does not burn out. When you live you life with this type of excitement, nothing can hold you back!
3. Under the New Covenant, we have a glory that does not fade. Paul tells us that Moses wore a veil over his face, not necessarily to cover the glory, but to hide the fact that the glory had faded. Paul said, “He wore a veil so the children of Israel wouldn’t notice that the glory was fading away—and they didn’t notice. They didn’t notice it then and they don’t notice it now, don’t notice that there’s nothing left behind that veil.” There’s no power left in the Old Covenant. But under the New Covenant we have a glory that never runs out, it never fades, and it will never be done away with.
4. The power of Christ Jesus exposes the powerless nature of the Old Covenant. Paul said, “Even today when the proclamations of that old, bankrupt government are read out, they can’t see through it. Only Christ can get rid of the veil so they can see for themselves that there’s nothing there.” Many are still living their lives behind the veil of the Old Covenant and they can’t see how powerless it is. It is only when we preach Christ and Him crucified, and when the power of Christ is revealed in the earth, that people can see for themselves that there is nothing left in the Old Covenant. Jesus came to get us out of the dead nature of repetitious routines and cold rules. Jesus died to give us access to a personal, loving, thriving and powerful relationship with the Father, through the Son, empowered by the Spirit.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me the Purpose of the Cross. The more I study the Law You established through Moses, the more I understand why Jesus had to die. When Moses received the Old Covenant, Your Law written upon tablets of stone, he wore a veil over his face. Initially the veil was worn to cover the glory. But eventually the glory faded away and the veil was worn to keep people from realizing that the glory was gone. Jesus came, He fulfilled the Law, and He established a New Covenant. This New and everlasting Covenant was ratified with Jesus’ own blood. I am IN Christ and Christ is IN me. I have been Born-Again and I am under the New Covenant. This Covenant will last forever. Under this Covenant I have access to Your glory and this glory will never fade. Under this Covenant I have access to Your power and this power will never run out. Under this Covenant I have access to You Father, and my connection to You equips, enables, empowers and employs me in this world. There is nothing I cannot do, that You are leading me to do, because I have Your glory and Your power, by Your grace, because of Jesus. I enter this day determined to make Kingdom impact in every meeting, conversation and activity I engage in. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
