2 Corinthians 3:9

9 For if the ministration of condemnation was in glory [For why if the ministration of condemnation is in glory], much more the ministration of rightwiseness is plenteous in glory.

2 Corinthians 3:9 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 3:9

For if the ministration of condemnation be glory
So the Jews call the law, for they say, (hrwt ala dwbk Nya) , "there is no glory but the law" ^F6; this is another head of opposition or difference between the law and the Gospel, from whence the superior glory of the one to the other is argued. The law is "the ministration of condemnation"; as sin is a transgression of the law, it accuses for it, convinces of it, pronounces guilty, and adjudges to death on account of it; which is the condemnation it ministers; and this it does to all Adam's posterity, and for his sin too; and to all the actual transgressors of it, to all unbelievers, to all that are under it; even to God's elect themselves, as considered in Adam, and in themselves as transgressors; and this it ministers to their consciences when convicted, though it is never executed on them, because of the suretyship engagement and performances of Christ. The Gospel is

the ministration of righteousness;
not of a legal one, or a man's own, but of the righteousness of Christ, by which the law is honoured, justice is satisfied, and God's elect justified from all sin and condemnation; this being perfect, pure, and spotless, and for ever: the Gospel is "the ministration" of it, as it is a means of stripping a man of his own righteousness, of revealing Christ's to him, and of working faith in him, and encouraging him to lay hold upon it for himself; and thus it is not to righteous persons, but sinners, to all believers, to all the second Adam's posterity; now as

much more
as righteousness exceeds condemnation, and a justified state a condemned one, so "much more" does the Gospel

exceed
the law

in glory.

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FOOTNOTES:

F6 Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Lev. fol. 33. 4.

2 Corinthians 3:9 In-Context

7 And if the ministration of death written by letter in stones [formed by letters in stones] was in glory, so that the children of Israel might not behold into the face of Moses, for the glory of his face, which is voided [+for the glory of his cheer, which glory is now voided],

8 how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be more in glory?

9 For if the ministration of condemnation was in glory [For why if the ministration of condemnation is in glory], much more the ministration of rightwiseness is plenteous in glory.

10 For neither that that was clear was glorified in this part for the excellent glory;

11 and if that that is voided [for why if that that is voided], was by glory, much more that that dwelleth still is in glory.