II Corinthians 3:9
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“For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more does the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.”
What are the “ministration of condemnation” and the “ministration of righteousness”?
Take a moment to read the entire chapter and then notice II Cor 3:11. It shows the latter (ad)ministration is more glorious than the earlier (ad)ministration (of condemnation). The ministration of condemnation is the ministration of death (II Cor 3:7) of the Old Testament, when people either died for their sins (death is the ultimate condemnation) or paid severe penalties.
The ministration of righteousness represents the New Testament period, when people can be forgiven and cleansed by Christ’s righteousness. From this point forward, people could now be helped to live righteously because the Holy Spirit is available, making this possible. II Cor 3:13 mentions Moses’ veil, which he wore in the presence of the Israelites. This was a symbol, which showed that the ministration of death was all that Israel could understand—because their understanding was veiled. The future terms of the New Testament were veiled (blinded) from Israel’s mind (II Cor 3:14). This veil was a type of the wall in Israel’s collective mind to the understanding that Christ would die, for their sins and the sins of the world, at His first coming. Suggested reading:
• Just What Is Salvation?