“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

The New Testament epistles are full of Old Testament allusions, and 2 Corinthians is no exception. In chapter three, Paul reminded the Corinthians of the veil Moses wore after speaking with the Lord. Exodus 34 describes how after Moses would speak with God, his face shone, and the people were afraid. Because of this, Moses veiled his face when speaking to the people. But, when speaking directly with God, he removed the veil.  

Paul asked the Corinthians, if the ministry under the old covenant “came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory…will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory?” (2 Corinthians 3:7-8). The former glory was so powerful the Israelites couldn’t bear to even look at Moses’ face after he’d been in God’s presence. Yet Paul wrote, “when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed” (2 Corinthians 3:16). So we, when we turn to the Lord, are somehow able to withstand an even greater glory than the Israelites saw, and we do it without a veil!

Matthew Henry described the removing of the veil like this: “The ceremonial institutions had in them much of Christ, much of the grace of the gospel, but a veil was drawn over it, so that the children of Israel could not distinctly and steadfastly see those good things to come which the law had the shadow of…but, thanks be to God, by the gospel life and immortality are brought to light, the veil is taken away from off the Old Testament.”

It’s interesting how Paul contrasts the concept of the veiled glory of God with the freedom found in the Spirit. How is it that the Holy Spirit makes possible this unveiled freedom?

The Holy Spirit has always coexisted with the Father and the Son. At various times throughout the Old Testament, we read about the Spirit coming on individuals for specific tasks. Similarly, in the Old Testament, certain individuals entered into God’s presence–Moses among them. In the New Testament, Christ made a way for all believers to boldly enter into God’s presence as Moses had done. Then, when Christ ascended to Heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within all believers. God himself resides in us! The result of this? Freedom.  

In other letters from both Paul and Peter, we find insight into what a life of spiritual freedom looks like. Galatians 5:1 tells us, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” In Romans 6:22, we read that this freedom is not just a freedom from one thing, but an invitation into something better–to serve God and produce the fruit of sanctification. And, in 1 Peter 2:16, we are again admonished not to use freedom as an excuse to cover up evil, but to use our freedom to serve God.  

When we exercise this freedom found in the Spirit, something incredible happens. It’s beautiful how Paul described it: “And we all, with unveiled faces, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Our God is not distant, and He has not hidden Himself from His children. He invites us into His glory, to speak to Him face-to-face like Moses did. And, as we behold His glory, we are transformed! All this, 2 Corinthians tells us, comes from the Holy Spirit. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we experience freedom from sin, freedom to devote ourselves wholly to God, freedom to behold His glory with unveiled faces, and freedom to be transformed into His image.  

Have you considered what a precious gift the Holy Spirit is? Do you go through your day aware of His presence? The role of the Holy Spirit hasn’t always been given equal prominence to those of the Father and Son in some Christian traditions. If this has been your experience, I encourage you to keep tuning in for the devotions this week. Listen, read, and learn, but also, observe. Ask God to help you to see His Spirit at work in and through you this week.

Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, it’s hard to fathom God Himself dwelling in me. Your presence is such a gift! Help me not to go through today unaware of Your movement and Your voice. Give me eyes to see You and courage to follow where You lead. In all I do, help me to honor and glorify You. Amen.

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