The apostle Paul had been in stressful situations, as found in other portions of this book: “We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves” (2 Cor. 1:8–9). In spite of outward dangers, Paul does not faint or become discouraged. Instead he sees himself identified in testimony with a victorious Christ: “Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place” (2 Cor. 2:14). By Paul’s conduct and preaching, a sweet fragrance of Christ was rising up to God. Paul, who called himself the chief of sinners, became the greatest vessel that God raised up for the shining forth of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). Only God can bring about such a change in anyone’s life.

Now, what God did in Paul, He is also doing in each one of us who have believed. God, by His Spirit, is writing Christ upon our hearts: “You are an epistle of Christ … written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets … of the heart” (2 Cor. 3:3). The Law could not do that. The Law was written on tablets of stone and expressed what God righteously required of man. It could only tell man what he ought to do, but the Law could not change him, nor give him strength.

A Christian is one who has received new life in Christ and a new nature that delights in what is of God. The Holy Spirit now dwells in the believer and occupies the heart with Christ, where He is now seated in the presence of God. As we look on the glory of the Lord, a transformation takes place, changing us into the likeness of Christ.