WHEN THE PERFECT COMES

"But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." (1 Corinthians 13:10)

Devotion 4 of 17

A VARIETY OF HUMAN INTERPRETATIONS

Some have chosen to take a novel approach (as compared with one of faith) to the statement now considered; i.e., "But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away" (1 Cor 13:10). Such have been motivated to adopt a view that guarantees spiritual gifts ceased at a specific time by Divine appointment. Others elect to adopt a view that guarantees spiritual gifts have not ceased, but are in full operation today according to Divine appointment. Neither of these doctrinal extremities edify the saints or build them up. They are intended to fortify a humanly devised theological position by negating opposing views. They really have little to do with strengthening the people of God, or grounding them in the faith. They also have little to do with the text itself--given by the Holy Spirit.

Some examples of historical thinking on this matter may be profitable. Chrysostom thought the coming of the "perfect" (that would remove the partial) was when the faith was "everywhere dispersed." At that time, he believed, the "gifts would no longer be needed."

Others believed that when the "church was matured," then the gifts passed away. This position is alluded to by B.W. Johnson, representative of earlier adherents within the Restoration Movement. "When the perfect is come, then the partial knowledge and prophecy will be done away. The imperfect will give way to the perfect; the perishable to the enduring. 'The perfect' was expected at the coming of Christ. Some think it came when the church was fully matured, since the special gifts then ceased. If there is a reference to this, the final and complete reference is to the glorified church" (The People's New Testament Notes, Volume 2, Page 114)

It is not my manner to provide extensive views embraced by Biblical scholars. My position is simply that such views, whether my own or that of another man, cannot be a basis for our faith. Notwithstanding, because of the extensive confusion that has flooded many of our churches on this text, I think it wise to give a brief overview of the positions of the religious community on this subject.

"There can hardly be an allusion, as Theophyl., (Ec., Bengel, Olsh., al., think, to the three gifts, of tongues, prophecy, (which suits but very lamely), and knowledge" (Henry Alford, The Greek New Testament, Volume II, page 588)

"But when that which is perfect; i.e., The state of eternal blessedness; then that which is in part--that which is imperfect, shall be done away; the imperfect as well as the probationary state shall cease forever" (Adam Clarke, Clarke's Commentary, Volume VI, page 270).

"Inspiration will be done away when God is in us, and we in Him, and our knowledge will be done away when we have come to the fulness of knowledge, and our present fragmentary and imperfect apprehension of the truth disappears in the light of perfected understanding of God and divine things . . . Observe the Apostle's intimation, that all our knowledge, including his own, is partial and imperfect" (Lyman Abbott, The Abotts' Great Work, page 618)

"As the old slough falls off when the new skin comes on, As a man returns no more to the free-school that hath proceeded in the university" (John Trapp, Trapp's Commentary On The New Testament, page 545)

"When the end is once attained, the means will of course be abolished. There will be no need of tongues, and prophecy, and inspired knowledge, in the future life, because then the church will be in a state of perfection, complete both in knowledge and holiness. God will be known then clearly, and in a manner by intuition, and as perfectly as the capacity of glorified minds will allow; not by such transient glimpses, and little portions, as here" (Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry's Commentary, Volume 6, page 264)

I have provided but a few quotations, representative of the dominating views of recognized theologians. These views carry no weight of themselves. They merely show the general direction of those whose lives were devoted to an in-depth perusal of the Word of God"

PRAYER POINT: Father, I praise Your name through Jesus for a revelation so extensive it has engaged the minds of the most prodigious minds of mankind.

-- Tomorrow: THE COMPLETION OF THE CANON? --