For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.
2 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV)
Much of this third chapter of 2 Corinthians is a comparison of two ministries. Paul describes the first as a ministry of death (2 Cor. 3:7) and condemnation (2 Cor. 3:9). And he describes the second as a ministry of the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:8) and of righteousness (2 Cor. 3:9).
What are these two ministries Paul is comparing? He describes the first as being carved on stone (2 Cor. 3:7) and coming with a fading glory, as seen on Moses’ face (2 Cor. 3:7). This ministry is connected to Moses and the Sinai covenant (2 Cor. 3:14-15).
The second ministry is described as having a superior (2 Cor. 3:9) and permanent glory (2 Cor. 3:11). It is a ministry that is tied to both Christ (2 Cor. 3:14) and the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:8, 17). And it is a ministry that gives freedom (2 Cor. 3:17) and transformation (2 Cor. 3:18).
Paul describes the ministry connected with the Sinai covenant and Moses as being brought to an end. And it was replaced by a permanent ministry. While Paul does not explicitly say that the new covenant Christ inaugurated replaced the Sinai covenant, that is what is implied here. And this is more explicitly found in Hebrews 8:13 and Galatians 4:21-31.
The old covenant (ministry) was good and glorious. But, being a matter of external regulations (written on stone), it was never able to change our sinful nature. Instead, it brought condemnation and death. But the covenant Jesus inaugurated is one that is written on our hearts, transforming our nature into the image of Christ. And that is even better and more glorious, bringing us into God’s grace and life.
