Paul presents the Corinthian congregation as a living witness to his credentials as a minister of the New Covenant (1-6). Then, he compares the Old Covenant to the New Covenant (7-18).
The Lord God presented the Old Covenant to Israel at Mount Sinai, in the desert (modern-day western Saudi Arabia), through Moses on two stone tablets (Exodus 19-20). The entire law of the Old Covenant is the first five books of the Bible (though some record historical facts too). When Moses came down the mountain to present the ten commandments to Israel, his face shone with the glory of God. This faded over time (Exodus 34:29-30, 33, 35). The Old Covenant brought condemnation because the Israelites were unable to keep it, for all have a fallen, sinful nature.
The Lord Jesus presented the New Covenant to the world at Mount Zion, where Jerusalem is located. The Holy Spirit writes it on the hearts of those who believe in him. When Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to his Father in heaven, his face shone with the glory of God, which never fades. The New Covenant brings righteousness because it relies solely on Jesus’s character, what he did on the cross, and his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15).
When I relied on myself for righteousness in God’s eyes, I had a veil over my heart. I tried to be a good person. I tried to be accepted by God. But I could not see God nor his Christ through my self-righteousness. I failed. I was separated from God.
Then God took the veil off my heart (16). Now I see Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, atoning for my sins. Now I solely rely on Jesus – who he is and what he did for my righteousness. Now the Spirit of the Lord is in me. Now my relationship with God does not rely on me. I am free in Christ. I am free of the law and condemnation. I am being transformed into the image of the Son with ever-increasing glory (18). Jesus makes me competent as a minister of the New Covenant (5-6).
