“Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.”

‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s interesting how Paul forms the scripture in 2 Corinthians 3:12. Within the context of the passage, he makes boast of the new covenant in Christ and encourages those who had been tempted, to revert to adhering to the law of Moses to stand firm in the belief that it is only through Christ that we access the father. The veil has been torn, but only for those who come to the knowledge and acceptance of the Word of life, which is Jesus.

I love the way 2 Corinthians 3:12 phrased as he asserts that because His hope is in Christ, his mindset is different, his speech is different and actions also; because he is emboldened! If your foundation is not Christ, what will keep you pressing on knowing that something greater lies ahead? How can one be truly fearless without knowing that salvation is in Christ? By what authority (power) are you backed by? For there is no authority one can carry outside the boundaries and power of Christ.

In the previous book the passage reads “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬.

Now there is a greater glory, which surpasses the former in a manner that can only be brought to reality through the infinite power and foreknowledge of God. As Paul states in 2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!”

Paul wanted to remind the church to stay focused on the gospel and its full truth. Not contorted or tainted in any way, not reverting back to monotonous religious practices which only brought about death by the law, neither engaging in things that take advantage of the freedoms they have in Christ. He wanted them to set their hearts on believing what is pure – which is that Christ was raised from the dead. Only by “holding firm” to this belief is one saved.

The hope that Paul mentions which enables him to be bold is that God sent Jesus to pay our sins by dying on the cross. His blood was shed for the remission of our sins. He did it knowing that His righteous sacrifice would cover us and be the full payment for our sins. Jesus himself declares that “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” (John 14:6)

So, If we believe anything but this truth which provides hope producing our boldness, then we have shifted to a place of darkness and ignorance, and our hope is in vain.

So, place your hope in Christ because it is the only hope that forms boldness.