Signal C21.03.98.htm

THE "VEIL".

"But when there is a turning to Jehovah, the veil is taken away." (2 Cor 3:16).

BUT WHAT IS THE "VEIL"?
Scripture tells us that this "veil" remains unlifted in the minds and hearts of those who seek to be justified by the Mosaic Law of the "old covenant". This "veil" is spiritual ignorance of salvation. "For to this present day the same veil remains unlifted at the reading of the old covenant, because it is done away with by means of Christ. In fact, down till today whenever Moses is read, a veil lies upon their hearts." (2 Cor 3:14,15).

God is not partial. Consequently, this "veil" was in the hearts and minds of unbelievers, both Jew and Gentile, when people of God were gathered by the "good news" of faith in Christ. The "good news" of The Christ did not shine through to the hearts and minds of these unbelievers. Even after coming to know the spiritual requirements of God under the "old covenant", they still did not desire to turn to Jehovah.

But what is the "freedom" referred to in 2 Corinthians 3:17, and how is one "transformed into the same image from glory to glory, exactly as done by Jehovah"? The "veil" prevents unbelievers from coming to know and receive the benefits of spiritual freedom by the "good news" of The Christ. They are denied the forgiveness of sins and the gradual transformation of their spirits from glory to glory to an inheritance of heavenly life in everlasting glory. (4:4). This "freedom" makes one aware of the deeply destructive error and evil influence operating within certain humans, and allows one to choose the righteous Way of The Christ with confidence. Spirit awareness and spiritual 'seeing' after the "veil" is removed is "done by Jehovah the Spirit." (3:18).

Unbelievers do not understand these things because "the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers". (4:1-6). They cannot get to know the spiritual requirements and benefits of the "new covenant" by the "good news" of faith in The Christ, because it has come to a finish. (Rev 10:7).

"TURNING TO JEHOVAH".
This is the first step towards one's salvation. But what has led some to turn to God while the great majority does not? It is a matter of personal choice: Proving to God one's desire to put on righteousness while hating the evil activities of satan "the god of this system of things". Unbelievers choose unrighteousness. But servants of God choose to live a righteous life "from glory to glory", anticipating there will be adversity. They are aware of the need to make spirit sacrifices to please God, of the likelihood of being persecuted for righteousness' sake, and even of excommunication by former "brothers". (Isaiah 66:5).

An unbeliever does not desire a righteous life, or the readjustment of his life to that of the Will of God. But God knows His own. He removes the "veil" of ignorance from His faithful servants that prevented the illumination of The Christ from shining through; giving them freedom and escape from satanic captivity. Further, with reference to Jews and Gentiles it is written: God "has indeed adequately qualified us to be ministers of a new covenant, not of a written code, but of Spirit; for the written code condemns to death, but the Spirit makes alive." (2 Cor 3:6). Ministers of Spirit how wonderful!

21/3/98.