‘For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.’ (13:9-10)
Yesterday, we saw how gifts of the Spirit are very important, but they are passing away. We are told that ‘when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.’ What is ‘completeness’?
Completeness (teleios) is to have reached its end, be complete and perfect. The ESV translates it ‘perfection’.
Some take this to refer to the receiving of the Bible and that because we have the ‘perfect’ word of God, we don’t need certain gifts such as prophecy. Of course, the Word of God is perfect and without error. However, It seems best to see this as a reference to the return of Christ and the restoration of all things (the final consummation). Even with the Bible, which is perfect, we don’t ’see face to face…know fully’!
In this age, before completeness comes, we have the gifts to help us to enjoy and understand as much as we can of that glorious future. Paul tells us in chapter 1:
‘Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.’ (1 Corinthians 1:7)
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