Recorded during the 2015 CRTS Conference.
Dr. Tipton argues that the text does not draw the absolute contrast of letter and Spirit that some, upon a cursory read, might discern. Rather, Paul speaks of what once gave life and righteousness (the letter) in the way he does based on the super-abounding righteousness, life and glory of Christ, the life-giving Spirit. The contrast is therefore a relative one that takes the eschatological fullness of Pentecost as its point of departure and contrasts that with the limitations inherent in Moses' typical intercession (and fading glory) in Exodus 32-34. Dr. Tipton notes that the argument in II Cor. 3 parallels key features of the argument in I Cor. 15:42-49, both of which turn on contrasts that emerge when we take as our point of departure the eschatological fullness that dawns in the exaltation of Christ as life-giving Spirit.
