Substantial Glory versus Excelling Glory

The surpassing glory of grace doesn't fade—it breaks through and remains.

Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace by Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit: Unsplash

In today’s reflection, Bob Hoekstra contrasts the “substantial glory” of the old covenant law with the “excelling glory” of the new covenant grace. The law was indeed glorious—it revealed the holy character of God and exposed the unholiness of man. But that glory, though real, was passing. It functioned like a skilled diagnostician, pointing out the disease of sin, but offering no cure.

Grace, by contrast, does not merely diagnose the problem—it brings the remedy in the Person of Christ. The new covenant surpasses the old in every way because it doesn't leave us condemned; it makes us righteous. The glory of grace is not static or fading, but ongoing and increasing. It does not fade like the old glory that once shone on Moses’ face—it remains, because Christ Himself remains. Grace does not stand beside us with demands; it indwells us with life. That is the “glory that excels.”

✨ Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit

I once revealed the holiness of God through stone tablets. That glory was true, but it was not the final word. It could shine, but only to show the darkness in the human heart. My law convicted, but could not cleanse. It exposed, but could not empower. The ministry of condemnation carried glory, but it faded—because it pointed forward to something greater.

Now, through Christ, I have written My law on your heart, not with ink or stone, but with My very Spirit. The righteousness you now carry is not your doing—it is Mine, imparted to you as a gift. This is not the glory of trying, but the glory of trusting. You no longer live under a glory that condemns; you walk in a glory that remains.

The glory of My grace is not fragile or fleeting. It doesn’t visit you and depart. It abides. Christ in you is the glory that excels. He is the fulfillment, the light that outshines the former shadow. You are not under law—you are under grace. And where grace reigns, righteousness and life overflow. The glory you now carry is not passing—it is permanent, because I have made My dwelling in you.

Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 3:7-11, Leviticus 20:7-8, Romans 3:19, Romans 5:20-21

🌾 Real-Life Analogy

It’s like finally receiving the right eyeglass prescription after years of blurry vision. The eye doctor’s diagnosis was important, even necessary—but the diagnosis alone wasn’t the goal. The real glory came when the lenses were placed before your eyes and clarity returned. The law revealed the blurriness of sin, but grace fitted you with lenses that let you see with heavenly clarity—through the eyes of Christ.

🙏 Prayer of Confidence

Father, I rejoice that I no longer live under a fading glory, but under the radiant, permanent glory of grace. Thank You for placing me in Christ, for giving me righteousness not by my performance but through Your indwelling Spirit. I rest today in the surpassing glory that does not diminish or fade but remains because Christ remains in me. I trust You to keep transforming me by this glory that excels.