"The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses' face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away. Shouldn't we expect far greater glory under the new way, no that the Holy Spirit is giving life?....So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!
Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. But the people's minds were hardened, and to the day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Yes, even today when they read Moses' writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord - who is the Spirit - makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
Because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross for us, we have freedom from sin and death! It is only by turning to the Lord Jesus Christ can a person recieve this freedom. When we accept Christ, we have eternal life through the Holy Spirit! There is no other way to eternal life! The Holy Spirit is the one who gives us a new life in Christ. He is responsible for the rebirth of every believer and helps us live the Christian life.
The old way is the old covenant under the Ten Commandments. Christ didn't come to destroy the law but to fulfill it. (Matthew 5:17) The old way points out our sin and shows us how to obey God. The new way, salvation through Jesus Christ, makes us right with God! The veil represents the veiling of people's minds from understanding scripture that pointed to Jesus Christ. Why were their minds veiled? Because of their pride, hard hearts, and stubborn refusal to repent. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, this veil is removed! We recieve eternal life and freedom from the bondage from sin and death. When we trust in Christ, we are free to live for Him!
So on the day we celebrate the independence of our country, let us also praise the God who gave us freedom from sin and condemnation! Let us give thanks to the Lord who gives us life!
Have a blessed July 4th!
In His Love, Cathy
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