Bold

“Since we have such hope, we are very bold.”

2 Corinthians 3:12

SINCE | preposition | for the reason that |  because

The word “Since” is how this verse starts, which is defined as “for the reason that” or “because” and continues on with “we have such hope.”

In order to understand this verse, let’s read the entire context in 2 Corinthians 3.

Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory,transitory though it was, ⁸ will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? ⁹ If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! ¹⁰ For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. ¹¹ And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

¹² Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. ¹³ We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. ¹⁴ But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.¹⁵ Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. ¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ 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.

Wow and double wow.  Did you get all of what it’s saying in these verses?  Feel free to read it a few more times, there is a lot to chew on.  The comparison to Moses and when he had to veil his face because he was shining so brightly and to us now, without a veil, is breathtaking.

Let’s read the passage to which this is being referred to regarding Moses in Exodus 34:29-35:

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.³⁰ When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. ³¹ But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. ³² Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai.

³³ When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. ³⁴ But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, ³⁵ they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 3:16 is worth repeating, “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” So, this hope gives us Boldness. 

BOLD | adjective | showing an ability to take risks |  confident, courageous

We have an unveiled access to the King of Kings.  We are saved by His son, Jesus Christ.  Because of these things, we can be confident and courageous.

Lord, thank you for your son who died on the cross, allowing us direct access to you.  There is no veil, there are no secrets, we can come and approach your throne.  Lord, thank you for reminding me about our hope and what is founded in through Christ.  May I rest in this truth and allow my confidence and courage to come through this hope.  I pray I may live in a bold way, different from the rest of the world…and giving 100% glory to  you.  In Christ’s Name, Amen.