2 Corinthians 3:18 – And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Extended Explanation

Paul concludes this section by describing what happens when a person turns to Christ. In the previous verses, he explained that a veil covered people’s hearts when they tried to follow God through the old covenant (the Law of Moses). But when someone turns to the Lord, that veil is removed, allowing them to clearly see and understand the truth.

Now, in this verse, Paul describes how believers experience spiritual transformation:

1. “With unveiled faces” – Unlike those who are still blind to the truth, believers see God clearly because they are no longer held back by sin, legalism, or spiritual blindness.
2. “Contemplate the Lord’s glory” – Believers are able to behold and reflect the glory of God. This means that we not only see God’s greatness, but we also display His character in our lives.
3. “Are being transformed into his image” – The Christian life is a process of becoming more like Jesus. The Spirit is working in us, shaping us into Christ’s likeness.
4. “With ever-increasing glory” – This transformation is ongoing. It does not happen instantly, but believers grow in holiness as they continue in their faith.
5. “Which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” – This change is not accomplished by human effort but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul is teaching that the Christian life is a journey of transformation, where believers become more and more like Christ as they walk with God.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to the Corinthian church, a group of believers who lived in a culture full of pagan influences, idolatry, and immorality. Many of them had come from backgrounds of sin, and they needed to understand that faith in Jesus was not just about believing the right things, but about being transformed from the inside out.

In the Old Testament, Moses’ face shone with God’s glory after meeting with Him on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29-35). But that glory faded over time. Paul is saying that under the new covenant, believers experience a lasting and increasing transformation—not just an external shining, but an internal renewal through the Spirit.

This transformation is not just for a few select people like Moses—it is for “we all”, meaning that every believer can experience God’s glory and be changed by it.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several powerful spiritual truths:

1. All believers have access to God’s presence – In the old covenant, only Moses had a close encounter with God’s glory. In the new covenant, every Christian can experience God personally.
2. Christianity is about transformation, not just knowledge – Knowing the truth is important, but real faith results in a changed life.
3. Spiritual growth is a process – Becoming like Christ does not happen overnight. It is a lifelong journey as we continue to grow in faith.
4. The Holy Spirit is the one who changes us – We do not become like Christ by our own strength, but through the power of the Spirit.

This verse highlights the continuous nature of Christian growth. It is not about achieving perfection instantly, but about daily becoming more like Jesus.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses rich imagery and contrast in this verse:

• “Unveiled faces” – This symbolizes freedom, openness, and access to God, unlike the veiled hearts of those under the old covenant.
• “Contemplate the Lord’s glory” – The Greek word here (katoptrizomenoi) can mean both “beholding” and “reflecting”, showing that believers both see God’s glory and display it in their lives.
• “Being transformed” – The verb used (metamorphoó) is where we get the word “metamorphosis”—a complete, deep change, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.
• “Ever-increasing glory” – Unlike Moses’ fading glory, the transformation of believers grows stronger over time.

Paul’s word choice emphasizes the ongoing work of the Spirit, showing that the Christian life is a progressive journey of becoming more like Christ.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 8:29 – “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” (Believers are called to become like Christ.)
• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Transformation happens through a renewed mind.)
• Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Spiritual growth is a process that God continues.)
• John 17:22 – “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.” (Jesus shares His glory with His followers.)
• Colossians 3:10 – “And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (Believers are constantly being renewed in Christ’s image.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s believer, this verse is a powerful encouragement that the Christian life is about growth and transformation.

• We don’t have to stay the same – No matter where we start, God is at work changing us into Christ’s image.
• God’s work in us is ongoing – Sometimes growth feels slow, but as long as we keep following Christ, we are being transformed.
• We are called to reflect Christ – Our lives should display God’s glory so that others can see His power and love in us.
• We must stay close to the Lord – The more time we spend with Him, the more we become like Him.

This verse reminds Christians that true faith is not just about knowing God—it’s about becoming like Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He does not leave us as we are. Instead, He is constantly working to transform us into something greater.

• God invites us into His presence – He does not keep His glory hidden from us.
• He is patient with our growth – He does not expect instant perfection but gradually changes us over time.
• He provides His Spirit to help us – We are not alone in this process; the Spirit empowers and guides us.

God’s love is demonstrated in His commitment to our transformation, making us more like Christ every day.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate image of God, and believers are being transformed into His likeness.

• Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” (Jesus fully reflects God’s glory.)
• John 14:9 – “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (Jesus is the perfect image of God.)
• Colossians 1:15 – “The Son is the image of the invisible God.” (Jesus reveals God to us.)
• 1 John 3:2 – “When Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (One day, believers will be fully transformed into His image.)

Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, believers are being shaped into His likeness—reflecting His character, His holiness, and His love.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to have an “unveiled face” before God?
2. How have you seen God transforming you to be more like Christ?
3. In what ways do you think you can reflect God’s glory to those around you?
4. How does knowing that spiritual growth is a process encourage you in your faith?
5. What are some practical ways you can stay close to God so that His Spirit continues transforming you?