March 1: SIGN OF LIFE
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 by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18
… we all … Paul included himself in this declaration of the miraculous transformation that God’s Holy Spirit sets out to achieve, once we choose to believe. This act of our will, choosing, has the effect of removing a veil that had previously blocked our spiritual vision. To behold as in a mirror is an expression for gaining only a limited view. Mirrors at this time were made of polished brass and provided only a dim reflection—full clarity being yet hidden.
As faith increases, we are enabled to behold more of His glory: the scope of our heavenly view increases incrementally, from glory to glory! But even a dim vision of His glory reveals hope for the discouraged; the fallen one is empowered to get up again and continue the walk of transformation, with Jesus right beside. The gift of confession, repentance, forgiveness, encouragement, and obedience are wrapped up together for the soul who wills to accept divine instructions and the grace that comes with them.
For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity. Proverbs 24:16
God’s word refers to the wicked as those who hear His message of salvation, but choose to reject it. Jesus will return to retrieve His people after everyone has had the opportunity to hear and accept salvation (see Matthew 24:14). The life of faith is often a struggle; but the struggle itself is a positive sign of life! The one who has heard the truth, yet has no struggle is like a butterfly that remains in the cocoon; he will never fly or even see the light of day.
It is a blessing that the dazzling brightness of His glory is not shown to us all at once in our sinful state. Faith is birthed when the gospel message is first received. This miracle of new birth and the life of faith that follows is a lifelong series of subsequent decisions—aided by grace. This constitutes our sanctification. The transformation we are undergoing is preparing us to joyfully behold the fully unveiled sight of our Savior and King in the indescribable radiance of His glory!
When Paul wrote of the practical reality of increasing faith, he used the expression faith to faith (the original Greek: from one level of faith to the next level of faith). Beloved, let us take vigorous hold of all that the Lord shows us! It is He who enlarges and expands our spiritual vision. And let each of us make sure to get up again if (when!) we stumble and fall.
For in [the gospel of Christ] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17