Question:
Will you please explain 2 Corinthians 3? It says, “For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.”
Answer:
What has been “done away” refers to the glory of “the ministration of death” (verse 7) and the glory of “the ministration of condemnation” (verse 9). In contrast, what remains and is more glorious is the glory of “the ministration of the Spirit” (verse 8) and the glory of “the ministration of righteousness” (verse 9).
The first glory is represented by the law, which is external to the person and written only on tablets of stone, as it was for unbelieving Israel in the past. While it was indeed glorious, those who did not accept it were condemned to death. However, Moses received the law in his heart, and the Corinthian Christians embraced it in their hearts through faith by the Spirit. In this way, the Spirit of God inscribed the law upon their hearts.
When the law is internalized in this manner, it does not condemn; instead, it brings about righteousness. The greater glory of righteousness eclipses the glory of condemnation. The veil signifies sin. When a heart turns to the Lord, He removes that sin. It is not the law that is done away with, but rather its condemning power. For a more comprehensive explanation, please refer to our response to the objection “THE TEN COMMANDMENTS HAVE BEEN DONE AWAY WITH.”
