2 Corinthians 3:17

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NKJV), reads: “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 

This verse is part of a larger passage where the Apostle Paul contrasts the Old and New Covenants. In the context of Reformed Evangelical Christianity, this verse is often interpreted as follows: 

1. The Lord is the Spirit: This phrase affirms the deity and personhood of the Holy Spirit, a fundamental belief in the doctrine of the Trinity. It also signifies the unity of Christ and the Spirit. The Spirit is not a vague, impersonal force, but the Lord Himself. 

2. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty: The Spirit brings freedom from the bondage of sin and the law. This is not a freedom to do whatever we want, but a freedom to obey God out of love rather than obligation or fear of punishment. This liberty is a key aspect of the New Covenant, made possible by the work of Christ. 

In terms of application to modern Christian living, this verse has several implications: 

• Freedom in Worship: The presence of the Spirit in our lives allows us to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). We are free from the rituals and ceremonies of the Old Covenant and can now approach God directly because of Christ’s sacrifice. 

• Freedom from Sin: The Spirit enables us to resist temptation and live righteously. We are no longer slaves to sin but have the power to live as God desires (Romans 6:14). 

• Freedom to Serve: The liberty we have in Christ is not an excuse for selfishness, but an opportunity to serve others in love (Galatians 5:13). The Spirit equips us with spiritual gifts for this purpose (1 Corinthians 12:7). 

In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 3:17 is a powerful reminder of the freedom we have in Christ through the Spirit. As believers, we are called to embrace this freedom, not for our own benefit, but to glorify God and serve others. 

Sources: 

• The Holy Bible, New King James Version 

• The Westminster Confession of Faith 

• “Institutes of the Christian Religion” by John Calvin