Hope

Since we have such hope…2 Corinthians 3:12

Paul explains this hope. It is the realization who we are in Christ. Before, our minds were blinded, Verse 14. We only saw ourselves under the law—condemned; sinners who deserved punishment. Paul speaks of this blindness as a veil, which has been taken away: For until this day the same veil remains un-lifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. This is who we were. Now we have hope, Verse 12.

Now we no longer look at ourselves as condemned sinners. But as free saints. Verse 16: Nevertheless, when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. We who are in Christ should no longer see ourselves as dead in our sins, but alive in Christ! When we lose sight of who we are, we lose hope. When we lose hope, we slip back into false thinking which leads to despair or other unhealthy acts.

Verses 17-18: Now the Lord is Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Now, when you think all is lost, look in a mirror. Yeah, at first it won’t be pleasant. But keep looking. Soon you will see the glory of the Lord in your reflection. Soon you will remember you are being transformed—the transformation is in process—into the same image from glory to glory. If you can’t see the glory. Then re-read Second Corinthians, chapter 3. The truth will set you free.