2 Corinthians 3:9 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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2 Corinthians 3:9

Comments

When we talk about salvation we sometimes talk of what is right to the exclusion of what is most right. We say salvation is being saved, going to heaven, or having a happy life, and God guiding us. True, but the chief thing is being made righteous.Righteousness is everything. You come to Christ to be delivered from hell, to receive a place in heaven, yes. But righteousness is imputed to you by God – his righteousness – and later he imparts it to you over a lifetime of living for him. Some think experience is everything: miracles, sensations. No, it is advancing in righteousness. Others think it is learning sound doctrine. No, it is vain if it is not leading to righteousness. Some even in Christian service go wrong. They come to Christ and then think what I do is everything. They are almost back to like the Jews of old. They were given the law but it didn’t affect them. No, the fruit of the spirit is what matters. Paul’s ministration leads to active righteousness and imputed righteousness.

Application

It has been said from the time of the church fathers, a fine illustration, it is like the sun and the moon. When there is a full moon and light seems to stream across the landscape, you could be up at night and you could gaze and you could wonder. What a glorious thing. How much I can see. What a phenomenon: a full moon. But then the sun comes up and it is a glorious day and the brightest light is everywhere. Oh friends, you forget all about the moon. The sight of the previous night is erased from your mind. It had a glory at the time, but it has been surpassed and completely overpowered by the light of the sun. Oh yes, the Old Testament had its glory and it was given with its authenticating signs and wonder, but this, the gospel has a far greater glory.

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2 Corinthians 3:9 Commentary and Bible Study