Why Are Unveiled Faces So Significant in the Bible?
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2 Corinthians 3:18 shares a powerful message to believers in Christ. The verse says, “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.” This concept of unveiled can be easily overlooked if we neglect the many years before when a clear veil stood in the way between God and humanity.
2 Corinthians teaches us that because of Jesus, we do not have this concern anymore. Jesus Himself has sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within all believers, so we are never without His presence. Compelling Truth tells us that they estimate the curtain to have been “45 to 60-foot high, four inch thick.” This means that once Jesus died, the curtain preventing people from coming into the presence of God the Father was torn in a miraculous way from top to bottom. At that very moment, God was giving us a visual that Jesus’ sacrifice was enough to cover our sins and welcome us back into His presence. We can meet with Him without veils, without animal sacrifices, and without fear for losing our lives.
2 Corinthians 3:16-17 says, “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
I love that this says anyone. Whoever places their faith in Jesus and His sacrifice discovers an unveiled face, freedom, and the Holy Spirit’s seal. Because we can meet with Him unhindered, we can learn from Him and live for His glory. When others see us, they will see the love of the Father.
Just like the church is the bride of Christ, a bride wears a veil. However when she is at the altar with her groom, the groom removes the veil from her face and the two meet face to face. Jesus came to us and died for His bride to remove the veil from our faces so that we could be His own bride. May we celebrate that we are unveiled and unashamed meeting with our Savior Jesus each day, and being transformed into His likeness through the Holy Spirit.
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