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 7 of 17

A PRINCIPLE, NOT A PROPHECY

Paul is citing a principle that pervades both nature and grace. His purpose is not to chronicle a specific point in time when all spiritual gifts ceased to be given (and they are all "given"). He is not prophesying the completion of the Scriptural canon, contrary views notwithstanding. To my knowledge, no such approach is ever made to Scripture. Those living centuries after the New Covenant was inaugurated are certainly not in order initiating such a view of God's Word. It is even worse to drive a wedge between believers with such a teaching, enforcing it as though it reflected the mind of God.

Rather, the Spirit is proclaiming a kingdom principle. Temporary provisions should be treated as though they are temporary, whether they are riches or spiritual gifts. In the case of riches, we are to be willing to let them go. With spiritual gifts, we are to press toward the mark, capitalizing on the advantages they bring to us. They are not to be our emphasis! Throughout Scripture, the emphasis is on what God has done, not what men can do, gifted or not. The thrust of the message of salvation remains the same as the day the Gospel was first preached in power: "the wonderful works of God" (Acts 2:11).

In this consideration, love is a pervasive quality that contributes to ultimate spiritual maturity. It is what makes all valid "gifts" effective for the building up of the saints. A valid gift is one that God had given. The proper use of it is the building up of the body of Christ. In fact, love will be a part of the maturity itself.

At this point it is important to say God has not appointed men to define when He will no longer apportion various gifts to Christ's body. Those who attempt to do such a thing are acting outside the perimeter of human responsibility. We are told, "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him" (1 Cor 12:18). This was not a temporary measure, but denotes the manner of the Kingdom. What is more, those gifts are administered and governed by the Spirit of God. Again, it is written, "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will" (1 Cor 12:11). These gifts, or abilities to edify, are not granted by request, but by Sovereign placement.

A Greater Glory

In the Kingdom of God, something is "done away" only by a greater glory--whether under Law, or under grace. The ancient sacrifices, for example, were not obviated until a better and effective sacrifice was made. That which is "done away" thus fades in the greater light of spiritual maturity. Therefore, the Law was ended as a means to righteousness (Rom 10:4) with the induction of the greater glory of the new covenant (2 Cor 3). More specifically, it is written, "For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, much more does the ministry of justification abound in glory! Indeed, what once had glory has lost its glory because of the greater glory; for if what was set aside came through glory, much more has the permanent come in glory!" (2 Cor 3:9-11).

This principle involves more than the removal of the "need" for something. Rather, the thing that is "done away" cannot blend with what is new. By the very nature of things it ceases to be. It is not a matter of hard legality, but of Kingdom reality. Whether we are speaking of spiritual juvenileness, embracing nothing more than the principles of the faith, or spiritual gifts--only a greater glory can replace what is in part.

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, Who loved me and gave Himself for me, I thank You that a greater glory can be tasted now, and be anticipated in the world to come.

-- Tomorrow: DIRECTING OUR PRAYERS --