The ministers of the new covenant (2 Cor. 3-4)

NS1083
1
The ministers of the new covenant
Impart the very Christ by whom they live;
Through suff’ring, pressure, and the cross’s death,
This ministry the Lord to them does give.
2
The ministers of the new covenant
Riches of Christ unsearchable possess;
Imparting Christ to all God’s chosen ones,
Fullness of God, Christ’s Body, is expressed.
3
The ministers of the new covenant
Captives of God are, in Christ’s victory move;
Fragrance of Christ they spread in every place,
Sweet savor of His knowledge ever prove.
4
The ministers of the new covenant
Inscribe the Spirit as the element
Into the hearts of all those who believe—
Letter of Christ to all men evident.
5
The ministers of the new covenant,
Mirrors, behold the glory of the Lord;
Infused with all He is, they are transformed,
Even as from the Spirit of the Lord.
6
The ministers of the new covenant,
Worthless and fragile vessels made of earth;
Yet what a priceless treasure they contain;
Glorious Christ in vessels without worth!
7
Oh, what a high and holy ministry!
Who for these things is fully competent?
Only of God can we enabled be,
As ministers of His new covenant.
8
Lord, in this ministry we would take part;
The all-inclusive Christ we would supply;
This ministry unique we would fulfill:
The church to build, the Body edify.