Dr. Greg Gifford embarks on a series to answer a question that weighs heavily on many Christian’s hearts: “How do we change?” We often wonder if the things we struggle with can be changed or if it is just the way we are. With a background in Biblical Counseling, Dr. Gifford will guide us through different passages of Scripture to show how ultimately it is the pursuit of Christ that will bring about true change in the heart of a believer. Today, we begin in 2 Corinthians 3, where Paul describes the transformation that takes place at the moment of conversion.
The Context of 2 Corinthians
Second Corinthians is one of the two canonical letters that Paul wrote to the church of Corinth, a city located in the southernmost part of Greece. In many ways, the Corinthian Church was problematic, and in Second Corinthians, Paul finds himself under attack and having to defend his apostleship, which he describes as being a minister of the New Covenant. His central message is clear: to proclaim Christ and Him crucified.
The Veil Analogy
In 2 Corinthians 3:13, Paul recalls the story of Moses in Exodus. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai after communing with the LORD, his face shone bright with the glory of God. Because of this, the Israelites were unable to look directly at him, so he wore a veil to cover the brightness. Paul uses this moment to create a connection between the Israelites and those in Corinth still living under the Old Covenant. In the same way that the Israelites were veiled from beholding the glory of Christ, so too are those who remain under the Old Covenant and apart from Christ. Spiritually, they are blind, unable to behold God and His glory fully. But when one comes to the LORD, the veil is removed, and through the regenerating work of the Spirit, spiritual sight is given.
The Key to Transformation
The heart of Paul’s point is this: Transformation is connected to my beholding the Lord. The result of seeing the glory of God is that it gives the eyes to behold the glory of God, ultimately leading to transformation. Romans 8:29 affirms this truth: God has destined His children to be transformed into the image of His Son.
This blog post captures the essence of Dr. Greg Gifford’s series on the question “How Do We Change?”. You may click on the video above to hear more insightful details about how the pursuit of Christ brings about true change. Dr. Gifford is the Chair of the Undergraduate School of Biblical Counseling as well as a Biblical Counseling Professor for The Master’s University traditional on-campus program.
