This chart may help to visualize the differences between the two covenants, as pointed out by 2 Corinthians 3:
Old
Written on stone 3:3, 7
The letter kills 3:6
Ministry of condemnation 3:9
Ministry of death 3:7
Fading glory 3:7, 11, 13
New
Written on human hearts 3:3
The Spirit gives life 3:6
Ministry of the Spirit 3:8
Ministry of righteousness 3:9
Greater, lasting glory 3:8-11
The letters written on stone tablets—the Ten Commandments—are great and famous. Yet they belonged to the side that was temporary and fading. Whereas the ministry written on stone brought death, the ministry of the Spirit brings life, righteousness and freedom (2 Corinthians 3:6, 9, 17).
Now that the contrasts are clear, let’s follow the rest of 2 Corinthians’ inspired train of thought:
- Even the ministry of death had its glory, as shown by Moses’ bright face (2 Corinthians 3:7 cf. Exodus 34:29-35).
- But, we should remember what happened to Moses. His face gradually lost its shine (2 Corinthians 3:7, 13).
- This fact gives us an inspired lesson: Moses’ covenant itself was fading, and now has “no glory at all” when compared with Christ’s covenant (2 Corinthians 3:10-11).
- This more glorious New Covenant is truly permanent (2 Corinthians 3:11 cf. Jeremiah 32:40; 50:5; Ezekiel 16:60; 37:26).
That Old Covenant, which was etched in stone, dealt out death. Now it has been replaced by a far more glorious, permanent and life-giving covenant. (See Endnote 2 for more about how the law was good but deadly.)