The phrase “from glory to glory” in 2 Corinthians 3:18 refers to the believer’s transformation into the image of Jesus Christ. As we behold the glory of God, specifically in the face of Jesus Christ, we are progressively changed to become more like Him. This verse describes an ongoing process of sanctification in the life of a Christian.
2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, 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.”
Let’s break this verse down:
“And we all, with unveiled face”
In the Old Testament, Moses veiled his face after encountering God’s glory because the Israelites could not handle the fullness of that glory (Exodus 34:33-35). But now, as believers in Christ, the veil has been removed and we can behold God’s glory directly.
“beholding the glory of the Lord”
We behold and contemplate the glory of God as it has been supremely revealed in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15) and “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (Hebrews 1:3). As we fix our eyes on Jesus, we see the very glory of God.
“are being transformed into the same image”
As we behold Christ’s glory, we are progressively transformed into His image. Just as Moses’ face shone after encountering God’s glory, we take on the characteristics of Christ through the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. The goal of the Christian life is Christlikeness.
“from one degree of glory to another”
This transformation into Christ’s image happens incrementally, little by little. It is an ongoing process of growth in grace. The more we behold Christ, the more we become like Him. Our lives display an increasing measure of His glory as we mature in the faith.
“For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
This transforming work is accomplished by the Holy Spirit. Just as He was involved in creation (Genesis 1:2), He is involved in re-creation, making us new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our part is to behold Christ; the Spirit’s part is to transform us increasingly into His image.
Key Points
- “From glory to glory” refers to the believer’s progressive transformation into Christ’s image through the Holy Spirit’s work.
- This happens as we behold the glory of God as revealed in the face of Jesus Christ.
- The more we fix our eyes on Jesus, the more we become like Him.
- This is an ongoing process of sanctification that continues throughout the Christian life.
- The goal is for us to display ever-increasing measures of the glory and character of Christ.
The Context of 2 Corinthians 3
To fully understand 2 Corinthians 3:18, it is helpful to see it in light of the larger context of the chapter. In this passage, Paul is comparing and contrasting the old covenant with the new covenant in Christ:
- The old covenant was engraved in stone tablets, but the new covenant is written on human hearts by the Spirit (3:3).
- The old covenant brought condemnation, but the new covenant brings righteousness (3:9).
- The old covenant was fading away, but the new covenant remains (3:11).
- The old covenant was veiled, but the new covenant reveals things clearly (3:13-14).
Paul explains that a veil lies over the hearts of those who do not trust in Christ (3:15). But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is removed (3:16). We now have freedom to behold God’s glory with an unveiled face, which transforms us increasingly into Christ’s image from “glory to glory.”
The Theme of Transformation
This theme of being transformed as we behold Christ’s glory is found throughout 2 Corinthians:
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 – The gospel is the “light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:6 – God has shone His light into our hearts “to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 – Our inner self is being renewed day by day even as our outer self decays.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – In Christ we are a new creation.
Beholding Christ’s glory and being transformed into His image is the essence of what it means to be a Christian. As Tozer said, “We become like what we behold.”
Old Testament Foundation
The idea of being transformed by beholding God’s glory has Old Testament roots:
- Exodus 34:29-35 – After encountering God’s glory, Moses’ face shone.
- Psalm 34:5 – Those who look to God “are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”
- Isaiah 60:1-3 – Nations will come to the glory of the Lord and kings to the brightness of His rising.
The Israelites were meant to reflect God’s glory to the nations. This finds its fulfillment in the church visibly manifesting Christ’s glory.
New Testament Parallels
Other New Testament verses express this same idea of being transformed as we contemplate Christ’s glory:
- John 17:22 – Jesus prays that the glory God gave Him He has given to us.
- Romans 8:29 – We are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ.
- Romans 12:2 – We are transformed by the renewing of our minds.
- 1 Corinthians 15:49 – We bear the image of the heavenly man, Jesus.
- Galatians 4:19 – Paul labors until Christ is formed in the Galatians.
- Ephesians 4:13 – We attain to the measure of Christ’s fullness.
- Colossians 3:10 – We put on the new self which is being renewed in the image of our Creator.
- 1 John 3:2 – When Christ appears, we shall be like Him.
Our inner transformation and Christlikeness bring glory to God and draw others to Him.
Exegetical Insights on 2 Corinthians 3:18
Looking closely at the Greek text of 2 Corinthians 3:18 gives further insights into Paul’s meaning:
- The verb translated “are being transformed” is a present passive, denoting continuous action.
- The word for “transform” is where we get “metamorphosis.” It denotes an inward change.
- The phrase “from glory to glory” uses the preposition apo meaning “from” and indicates progression.
- The verb “beholding” means to reflect on or contemplate.
- The “Lord” referred to is Christ, as seen in the broader context (3:14, 16).
- The word “Spirit” indicates the Holy Spirit’s agency in our transformation.
So in Greek, the verse communicates an ongoing transformation into Christ’s image as we contemplate His glory, with the Spirit working in us.
The Means of Transformation
If this verse describes the process of becoming like Christ, how do we “behold” and “reflect on” His glory in a practical sense? Authors suggest various means:
- Bible study – Seeing Christ revealed in Scripture, especially the Gospels.
- Prayer – Communing with Jesus deeply.
- Lord’s Supper – Remembering His sacrifice that saves us.
- Christian fellowship – Encouraging each other with His love.
- Worship – Singing praises to Him for who He is.
- Obedience – Walking as He walked, empowered by His Spirit within us.
Each of these can be a means through which we behold the glory of Christ and are increasingly changed into His likeness.
The Results of Our Transformation
What are the visible effects in a believer’s life of this ongoing inner transformation into Christ’s image? Commentators note several results:
- An increasing Christlike character of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23).
- A heart of compassion and mercy towards others.
- A desire to obey God’s commands and live a holy life.
- A greater knowledge of and trust in God.
- A more faithful prayer life and dependence on Him.
- A passion to share the gospel and make disciples.
- A freedom from sin’s bondage and tyranny.
- An unshakeable hope in God’s promises.
The more we behold Christ’s glory, the more our lives display the attractiveness of Christian virtues. We become His image-bearers to those around us.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
While we behold Christ’s glory, the Holy Spirit does the work in us to change us from within. Authors emphasize the Spirit’s role:
- He imparts saving faith and opens our blind eyes to behold God’s glory in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).
- He sanctifies us and makes us more like Jesus. Our effort is insufficient.
- He produces His fruit in our lives – love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23).
- He empowers and strengthens our inner person to endure trials (Ephesians 3:16).
- He renews our minds and transforms our thoughts to be like Christ’s (Romans 12:2).
This transformation is a work of the Triune God – we behold the Son’s glory so the Spirit can change us into His image for the glory of the Father.
Why This Matters
Understanding this verse is tremendously important for several reasons:
- It gives us insight into the process of spiritual growth and transformation.
- It reminds us that sanctification is a work of the Spirit, not our striving.
- It motivates us to constantly behold Christ’s glory as revealed in Scripture.
- It gives us hope that we are becoming more like our Savior.
- It fuels our worship of God as we experience His transforming work.
- It inspires us to share Christ with others so they too can know His glory.
This verse beautifully captures the heartbeat of the Christian life. Our inner being is continually renewed as we fix our gaze on Jesus and let the Spirit change us. Just as Moses reflected God’s glory after meeting with Him, we increasingly radiate Christ’s glory as we behold Him by the Spirit’s power. The more we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, the more we are conformed to His image – from “glory to glory.”