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 8 of 17

"DONE AWAY"

The expression "done away" comes from a word meaning "to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literal or figurative:--abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void." Note that what is partial will "vanish away," be "done away," or "destroyed."

If the reference is to prophecies, knowledge, and other inspired utterances, we have a dilemma before us. Inspired utterances will thus be abolished, or made of none effect and brought to nought. This is quite different from fulfilling. When Scripture, or prophecy, is fulfilled, it does not pass away. It still retains edifying qualities. Examples are the record of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, the giving of the Law, and the fall of Nineveh.

In the case of the "completed canon," inspired utterances were preserved; they did not "pass away." In our text, it is the utterances themselves that is referenced, not the ability to give them. Both prophecy and knowledge are partial by their very nature. They are also partial because of the frailty of the human constitution, and the cursed environment in which we reside. By that very circumstance, they cannot remain when the perfect comes.

Even Scripture itself sometimes leaves us with partiality. Hebrews 8:5 says of Melchisedec, "Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing." Was any more said about this mysterious servant of God when the canon was completed? Is not our knowledge of him partial, even though he is a proclaimed type of the Savior Himself? And what of the glorified state? Is not our knowledge concerning it "partial"--even after the completion of the canon? Is it not written, "It doth not yet appear what we shall be" (1 John 3:1-2). While many more examples could be given, these will suffice to confirm that we still have partial knowledge and partial prophecy--even with a completed canon. The perfect has not yet come!

When Will The Partial Pass?

When will the "partial" be "done away?" It can only be "done away" when the objective is realized. Is that objective depicted anywhere as the "completed Scriptural canon?" Is this ever a clear point affirmed by holy men of God, speaking as they were moved by the Holy Spirit? Indeed, it is not. Within the context of Divine purpose, the completed canon falls far short as a subject of prophecy. Because God hinges spiritual life upon His Word, it is understood that He was imminent in its compilation and preservation. But the completion of the Scriptural canon is not the fulfillment of God's "eternal purpose."

A Time of Grandeur

Paul alludes to a time of grandeur, not one of mere potential. "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" (v. 12). "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" (NIV). It seems absurd to suggest that Paul only knew a part of what was to be revealed, and that his knowledge would be made thorough upon the completion of the Scriptural canon. We know this is not the case, because earlier in his life, even the chiefest of the Apostles could add nothing to his understanding of kingdom matters. Not even a caucus with the Apostles of the Lamb could add to his knowledge (Gal 2:6).

Hear Paul testify about his message, and tell me if it sounds like a fragment. "Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets" (Eph 3:2-5).

When it comes to redemptive revelation, this does not sound like deficiency on Paul's part. No inspired man indicated he preached a partial Gospel, or passed along a fragmented revelation of the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

The Human Condition

Fragmented knowledge is not an aspect of revelation, but of human infirmity. It is the result of the intrusion of sin, not the lack of revelation from God. Our condition "in the body" makes partial knowledge and utterances inevitable. There are "things that are secret," that "belong unto God" (Deut 29:29). Only the things "that are revealed" belong to us now. God has not divulged everything about Himself and His purpose to humanity. That situation makes all present spiritual knowledge partial, whether it is knowledge of sin, self, God, Christ, the Spirit, or the glory to come.

But things are not determined to remain this way. There is a time when the "perfect" will come, and the "partial" will be "done away." The Lord is coming in all of His glory, and that of the Father, and that of the holy angels (Matt 16:27; 25:31). That condition spells the end of the era of partiality. Then, and only then, will the "perfect" be revealed.

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You through Jesus for a salvation so grand, that the half has not yet been known. Thank You for the prospect of deliverance from this inhibiting body and the suffocating realm of this world.

-- Tomorrow: WHEN WE KNOW AS WE ARE KNOWN --