⁴ Such confidence^(A) we have through Christ before God. ⁵ Not that we are competent in ourselves^(B) to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.^{(C) 6} He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant^(D)—not of the letter^(E) but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.^(F)

The Greater Glory of the New Covenant

⁷ Now if the ministry that brought death,^(G) which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory,^(H) transitory though it was, ⁸ will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? ⁹ If the ministry that brought condemnation^(I) was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!^{(J) 10} For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. ¹¹ And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

¹² Therefore, since we have such a hope,^(K) we are very bold.^{(L) 13} We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face^(M) to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. ¹⁴ But their minds were made dull,^(N) for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant^(O) is read.^(P) It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. ¹⁵ Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. ¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord,^(Q) the veil is taken away.^{(R) 17} Now the Lord is the Spirit,^(S) and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.^{(T) 18} And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a](U) the Lord’s glory,^(V) are being transformed into his image^(W) with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Freedom in Christ

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.^(A) Stand firm,^(B) then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.^(C)

² Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised,^(D) Christ will be of no value to you at all. ³ Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.^{(E) 4} You who are trying to be justified by the law^(F) have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.^{(G) 5} For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.^{(H) 6} For in Christ Jesus^(I) neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.^(J) The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.^(K)

⁷ You were running a good race.^(L) Who cut in on you^(M) to keep you from obeying the truth? ⁸ That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.^{(N) 9} “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”^{(O) 10} I am confident^(P) in the Lord that you will take no other view.^(Q) The one who is throwing you into confusion,^(R) whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. ¹¹ Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?^(S) In that case the offense^(T) of the cross has been abolished. ¹² As for those agitators,^(U) I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Life by the Spirit

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.^(V) But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a];^(W) rather, serve one another^(X) humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^{[b](Y) 15} If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.