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 6 of 17

THE COMPARISON IS WITH LOVE, NOT WORDS

The comparison made here is not that of a whole Bible compared with fragmented inspired words (a concept that seems to me very dangerous). The Spirit is comparing the means to completeness with completeness itself. "Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears" (1 Cor 13:8-10, NIV). "Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away" (NASB).

Prophesy, as represented in First Corinthians, is not addressed as though it were fragmented. Nor, indeed, is "knowledge" so viewed (whether conferred independently of learning or an aspect of discernment). The phrase, "We know in part" reflects a condition brought on by mortality, not by partial revelation. The point is the inadequacy of these things to, of themselves, meet the ultimate Divine objective. That inadequacy is because they are addressed to temporal situations and imperfect people.

The wording of this verse is particularly interesting. "Gifts of prophecy" and "knowledge," it is affirmed, "will be done away." "Tongues," on the other hand, "will cease." Two different words are used when referring to the temporal nature of these gifts. The word "cease" comes from a word which means cause to stop, or restrain. The very employment of "tongues," or speaking in diverse languages, is an adaptation to a temporary situation. In the end, God will "gather together in one all things in Christ" in accordance with what He has "purposed in Himself" (Eph 1:9-10). That will at once render diverse language obsolete. By comparison, love will continue on. It will blend perfectly with the eternal order. This very circumstance makes an emphasis upon "tongues" unreasonable and an evidence of spiritual juvenileness. Scripture knows no such emphasis, regardless of sectarian attempts to justify such a doctrinal stress.

"Prophecies," the Spirit affirms, "shall fail," or vanish away. Prophecy unveils things that are not known--whether something in the future, or enlightenment concerning the past or present. When, however, "we know as we are known," there will be no further need for such enlightenment. It will simply cease, not because of a Divine mandate, but because of obsolescence. The requirement for prophecy is not traced to an incomplete Bible, but incomplete people. What is more, perfection will not come by more prophecy. Rather, it will be inducted by glory. In an environment of full glory, both tongues and prophecy have no place. Love, however, will continue on.

Inappropriate Emphasis Rebuked

Paul is rebuking an improper emphasis on these things--an accent that had brought division and carnality into the Corinthian assembly. It has also produced similar fruit wherever it is emphasized in our time. Because the Corinthians had vaunted the gift instead of the Giver, and personal advantage over edification, they continued to conduct themselves as though they were still of the world--something wholly unacceptable in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You in Jesus' name for providing gifts and insights to help prepare us for glory. Give me grace to live in anticipation of that sufficient glory, and seek the best gifts.

-- Tomorrow: PRINCIPLE, NOT A PROPHECY --