“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 3:18)
Paul urges the Ephesians to be “followers of God” (Eph. 5:1), using a term meaning to mimic or imitate. As God’s children, we are called to reflect His character, but how do we achieve this? Our text reveals the answer: by beholding God’s glory in the “glass” of Scripture, we are transformed into His image “from glory to glory” through the Spirit’s work. Bernard clarifies, “By the glass is meant the Gospel.”[1] Here, “glass” refers to a mirror, not for seeing our own reflection but for beholding God’s glory. The Gospel, and Scripture as a whole, reveals who God is and brings eternal truths within reach through faith.
Scripture reveals mysteries otherwise unknowable: creation’s six days, the covenant rainbow, God’s attributes, and the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and intercession of Christ. It discloses His law, sacraments, and worship, showing us how to live for His glory. It also exposes humanity’s fallen state while showcasing the beauty of redemption in Christ (Rom. 3:23; Col. 1:13-14). Through the Gospel, we see our need and God’s provision, opening the way for us to be transformed from deformity to glory as we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness.
Beholding this “glass” is done daily through meditation on Scripture that is empowered by the Spirit. Such a practice transforms us, aligning our lives with God’s character. But James warns against fleeting glances that leave us unchanged (James 1:23-25), as it is only through consistent, intentional engagement with God’s Word that we are molded as clay into His likeness, making us acceptable in God’s sight and enabling us to shine as His children in a broken world.
Contemplations:
- Delighting in Your Word. Lord, all true Christians need to take delight in beholding Your Word daily through reading and meditation: “Blessed is the man whose delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in his Law he meditates both night and day.” May it be that I do so. Help me find joy in Your Scriptures that I may be transformed through their truth.
- Seeing Your glory. Why do I look into the Gospel of Jesus Christ day after day, and meditate on it day and night? So that I have a clear image of You in Your glorious attributes and perfections. Because only when I consistently observe Your reflection in the Scripture with an “open face” and by the help of the Spirit can I be transformed into Your image.
- Heeding Your mirror. Lord, those who take only a transient look into Your Word may be somewhat troubled over their sinful condition for a while. But by not putting into practice what they hear, they return to their former course, forgetting what a miserable wretch they are. This is why James tells us not to forget what we see after looking into the mirror of Your Word.
- Following closely. Lord, help me look into Your Word daily to behold Your glory, that I may see You ever more clearly and follow (that is, imitate) You ever more closely. Let Your Spirit shape me through Scripture, conforming me to Your image.
Prayer (Thanksgiving)
O glorious and eternal God, You are the fountain of all truth, whose glory shines through Your Word, transforming us into Your likeness. Your Gospel reveals Your attributes, Your redemptive plan, and the beauty of Christ’s work, making these truths near through faith. I worship You for Your infinite wisdom and how Your Spirit works through Scripture to conform us to Your image.
I confess that I have often neglected Your Word, failing to behold Your glory with diligence. My heart has wandered, distracted by fleeting things, and I have not meditated on Your truth day and night. Forgive me for these sins, for forgetting the reflection of my sinfulness and Your redemption. Cleanse me through Christ’s blood and renew my desire for Your Word.
With heartfelt gratitude, I thank You for the gift of Scripture, the glass that reflects Your glory, as 2 Corinthians 3:18 declares. Thank You for creation, Your covenant, and Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, which transform me from wretchedness to righteousness. I am grateful for Your Spirit, who enables me to behold and apply Your truth, as James 1:25 urges. Thank You for showing me my sin and Your salvation, guiding me to live as Your child.
Your Word’s enduring truth, unchanging as Matthew 24:35 promises, anchors my soul. I rejoice that through daily meditation You mold me into Your image, from glory to glory. Thank You for making me acceptable in Your sight through Christ’s righteousness that I may reflect Your love and truth.
Lord, I plead for grace to delight in Your Word daily. Help me meditate on Your Gospel, seeing Your glory clearly and imitating You closely. Fill me with Your Spirit, that I may grow in holiness and shine as Your light. And use me to share Your Word that others may share in Your glory.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further References for 2 Corinthians 3:18:
1 Cor. 13:12; 2 Cor. 4:4; John 17:24; James 1:23.
[1] Thomas De Laune, Tropologia, (London: John Richardson and John Darby, 1681), 63.
