1 Corinthians 13:8-13
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
If Paul is referring to us seeing Christ "face to face" in this writing, do we now (or presently) see His face through a glass ... but darkly (or as a reflection in a mirror)? If "that which is perfect is come" refers to Jesus, "what exactly shall be done away with" afterwards ? Certainly not God's Word ... agreed ? Because we know that His Word endures forever.
Does faith, hope and love endure after prophecies fail ... after tongues cease .. after knowledge is vanished away ? And if so (they do), how do we then explain the continuance of faith and hope when we are in Christ's very presence ? Has not our faith and hope (at this point) now been fully realized (in Christ's presence) ? Of course they have.
"That which is in part" pertains to those very things that God utilized to bring us His complete (and perfect) Word ... today's bible. And what were they ? Prophecies though His prophets of old .. divine knowledge given to those chosen by Him .. and even tongues during the apostolic era (supernaturally given earthly languages) in order that all may hear ... but even then, they will not listen to Me.
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us.
Is Jesus dwelling amongst you and I today in bodily form ? Of course not. But He did dwell amongst those of the apostolic era. Biblical context is crucial to understanding. But I thank you for your reply nonetheless.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
If Paul is referring to us seeing Christ "face to face" in this writing, do we now (or presently) see His face through a glass ... but darkly (or as a reflection in a mirror)? If "that which is perfect is come" refers to Jesus, "what exactly shall be done away with" afterwards ? Certainly not God's Word ... agreed ? Because we know that His Word endures forever.
Does faith, hope and love endure after prophecies fail ... after tongues cease .. after knowledge is vanished away ? And if so (they do), how do we then explain the continuance of faith and hope when we are in Christ's very presence ? Has not our faith and hope (at this point) now been fully realized (in Christ's presence) ? Of course they have.
"That which is in part" pertains to those very things that God utilized to bring us His complete (and perfect) Word ... today's bible. And what were they ? Prophecies though His prophets of old .. divine knowledge given to those chosen by Him .. and even tongues during the apostolic era (supernaturally given earthly languages) in order that all may hear ... but even then, they will not listen to Me.
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us.
Is Jesus dwelling amongst you and I today in bodily form ? Of course not. But He did dwell amongst those of the apostolic era. Biblical context is crucial to understanding. But I thank you for your reply nonetheless.