"For we know in part, and we prophesy in part (I Cor. 13.9)." Our scope is limited--we do not have the full picture at the present time. However, the Scripture does say that we know in part; it does not say that we do not have any knowledge. Also the Scripture does say that we prophesy in part; it does not say that we do not prophesy at all .
"But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away" (I Cor. 13.10). "But when" signifies "another time"; "that which is perfect is come" signifies that our present "state of being" is lacking. God will do a further work unto the creation and unto the Christian--there is an eternal inheritance to come.
"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" (I Cor. 13.11). The premature things of a child "vanish" away into manhood.
"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" (I Cor. 13.12). "For now we see through a glass, darkly" signifies our limited, immature, incomplete state of being, of which we are still in a corruptible body which is about to vanish; "but then" signifies a "future time"; "face to face" signifies our "presence" with God: corruption having taken on incorruption; incompleteness having taken on completeness; "now I know in part" signifies the present; "but then shall I know even as also I am known" is a key which unlocks the shackles of erroneous doctrine which prevents the unenlightened and unstable from understanding the latter part of the thirteenth chapter: "but then" signifies a "time" and a "difference"--a "change"; "shall I know even as I am known" signifies a change from incomplete knowledge unto complete knowledge. God is the only one who is incorruptible and omniscient--the only possible way that we could know even as we are known is that God change us from incompleteness unto completeness; corruption unto incorruption. That change can not take place until the time that the Apostle Paul prophesied: "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" has been fulfilled (I Cor. 15.52).
Whole document Back to beginning Other Literature
About the Hesedken Learn NT. Greek