Glory to Glory
As I sit down to reflect on the profound words of 2 Corinthians 3:18 (my favorite verse), I am struck by the depth of its meaning and the theological richness it offers to modern Christians. This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian transformation, offering a glimpse into the divine process of becoming more like Christ. Let us delve into the layers of significance embedded within these words, drawing insights from Scripture, poetry, and hymnody also known as sacred songs.
The verse reads: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (LSB)
Here, Paul invites us into a profound spiritual journey. The metaphor of “unveiled faces” suggests a direct encounter with the divine, unobstructed by the limitations of human understanding or perception. It echoes the psalmist’s cry: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm 119:18, ESV) To contemplate the Lord’s glory is to fix our gaze upon His majesty, allowing His radiance to illuminate our hearts and minds.
Emily Dickinson, in her poem “Nature,” captures this sentiment beautifully:
“The Gentian weaves her fringes—
The Maple’s loom is red—
My departing blossoms
Obviate parade.”
In Dickinson’s verse, nature becomes a canvas for divine revelation, each element reflecting the glory of its Creator. Similarly, when we contemplate God’s glory, we are drawn into a transformative encounter with His beauty and goodness.
The process of transformation described in 2 Corinthians 3:18 is not static but dynamic. We are “being transformed” continually, indicating an ongoing journey of growth and renewal. This echoes Paul’s exhortation to the Romans: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2, ESV) Our transformation is not self-generated but is initiated and sustained by the Spirit of God working within us.
The hymn “Be Thou My Vision” (Dallán Forgaill, Irish 6th century poet) speaks to this dependence on the Spirit’s guidance:
“Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.”
In our journey of transformation, Christ is not merely a distant ideal but the very pattern into which we are being conformed. The ultimate goal of this transformation is to be “transformed into his image.” This echoes John’s proclamation: “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2, ESV)
In Dickinson’s poem “Forever—is composed of Nows—,” she captures the eternal dimension of this transformation:
“Forever—is composed of Nows—
‘Tis not a different time—
Except for Infiniteness—
And Latitude of Home—”
Our transformation is not confined to the temporal realm but is part of the eternal unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. It is a process of becoming more fully ourselves, as we are conformed to the image of Christ.
Beautifully, 2 Corinthians 3:18 offers modern Christians a profound vision of transformation rooted in the contemplation of God’s glory. It calls us to fix our gaze upon Christ, allowing His Spirit to work within us, shaping us into His likeness. As we journey through the ups and downs of life, let us take comfort in the assurance that we are being transformed from glory to glory, until we fully reflect the image of our Lord and Savior.
JG