Unlike the Israelite, who still has a veil upon his mind and heart that prevents him from seeing the glory of the Lord, the Christian is privileged to behold the fullness of that glory. At Sinai Moses alone received the revelation from God with unveiled face. Now all may draw nigh to God as effectively as Moses did and hold intimate communion with Him (cf. Heb. 4:16).

Gr. katoptrizō, “to reflect,” or “to behold a reflection.” Some translators and commentators favor the first definition here, others the second. The context favors the second, for to be “changed” into the likeness of Christ is logically the result of “beholding” Him, not of reflecting Him. It is also true that our lives are as mirrors, receiving light from Christ and reflecting it to others. As Moses’ face reflected the glory of God at Sinai, so our lives are ever to reflect the glory of the Lord as it shines forth to a lost world in the face of the Saviour.

 Literally, “are being changed.” The plan of redemption aims to restore the image of God in man (Rom. 8:29; 1 John 3:2), a transformation that comes about by contemplating Christ (Rom. 12:2; Gal. 4:19). The contemplation of the image of Christ acts upon the moral and spiritual nature as the presence of God did upon the face of Moses. The humblest Christian who constantly looks to Christ as his Redeemer will reflect in his own life something of the glory of Christ. If he faithfully continues to do so, he will go on “from glory to glory” in his personal Christian experience (see 2 Peter 1:5-7).

This transformation is progressive. It advances from one stage of glory to another. Our spiritual assimilation of Christ comes through His glory and results in a reflection of glory like unto His.

Literally, “as from the Lord, [the] Spirit.” The spiritual transformation that proceeds from Christ takes place only through the operation of the Holy Spirit, who, having access to the heart, renews, hallows, and glorifies the nature and makes it over into the likeness of Christ’s perfect life.