From Glory to Glory
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 01/21/2024
Foundation Scriptures:
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 KJV
1. Changed.
a. 2 Corinthians 3:17 AMPC –– Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom).
b. When we receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we are born again, by the Spirit of the Lord.
c. We are made a new creature—we receive a new heart, a new nature (2 Cor. 5:17).
d. 2 Corinthians 3:18 AMPC –– And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.
e. The Word of God is likened to a glass, or a mirror.
f. We look into it and we are progressively changed by the Spirit of the Lord.
g. We are changed from glory to glory—into the image of Jesus Christ.
h. Which means we become more and more like Him.
2. Transfigured.
a. Matthew 17:1-9 KJV –– And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. 7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. 9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
b. In their presence, His appearance underwent a change.
c. His face shone bright, like the sun.
d. His clothing became white as light.
3. Light.
a. In the New Testament, there are different Greek words which are translated as “light.”
b. The Greek word, “light,” used here is “phōs” –means to shine or make manifest.
c. It is usually used when referring to light that is stronger or more powerful than a torch or a candle.
d. This word is used in reference to the Godhead—the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
e. God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).
f. This light is the light of Truth, knowledge, and understanding.
g. It represents, and is used of, moral and spiritual purity.
h. It is a light that resides in us (believers) and shines through us.
i. It is a light that can be seen—a light which is exposed to the view of all, openly and publicly.
j. Jesus commands us to let our light shine (Matt. 5:14-16).
4. The Glory of God.
a. Exodus 33:18-23 KJV –– And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. 20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. 21 And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: 23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
b. Exodus 34:29-30 KJV –– And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. 30 And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
c. Moses’ face shone.
d. It was the Glory of God that was seen on Moses’ face.
e. Aaron, and all the children of Israel were afraid.
f. Exodus 34:33-35
g. Moses’ face shone so brightly, he had to wear a veil in the presence of the people (but not in the presence of God).
h. 2 Corinthians 3:13-14 KJV –– And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
i. In Christ, the veil has been done away with.
j. As believers, we can see, experience, and be transformed by, the Glory of God (2 Cor. 3:18).