[qquote]"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. "
"1Cr 13:12 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. "
Just a little expansion on your thought, Carlos. These verses make reasonably clear that Paul is foreseeing the time when our imperfect bodies are made perfect, our unclear minds are brightened and illuminated with the full understanding of God, and that this occurs ONLY when:
Tts 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
1Cr 15:52 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.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1Jo 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1Jo 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
1Cr 15:52 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.
1Cr 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.
we come face to face with our perfect savior, Jesus Christ. Notice in the last part of 1 Cr. 13:12, the "...just as I also have been fully known."
Jesus knows, perfectly, the thoughts and intents of our hearts. He knows us better than we could ever know ourselves (in the flesh). Paul is saying that since this is true, He has perfect knowledge and understanding of us, there will be a day when we will then "know, even as also I am known".
It's good to know others are reading...even if there isn't much said.
On a slightly different tack, but considering the interjection of extraneous material and "accusations", I want to state the following unequivocally.
I am not a charismaniac, nor a charismatic, nor a pentecostal, nor an AoG, nor a cessationist, nor a dead in the pew baptist, methodist, episcopalian, lutheran, etc. ad nauseum.
I was discipled to believe, and do believe, that the Word of God is exactly that....HIS Word, and that it is not subject to "private interpretation", but will always verify itself with itself (and that is NOT circular reasoning).
I have never spoken in tongues, and probably never will (the Lord once told me I could talk to Him in any language I wanted....He understands them all). I have heard (and seen) many speaking in tongues...and in almost all instances, I would, by the witness of the Holy Spirit, put those exhibitors in the same class as the Corinthians. Notice I said "almost all".
I make no claim to any of the gifts enumerated, although I know that some have been exhibited in ministry, and fully and unequivocally met the standards imposed by the Word of God, which is the only "verifying" rule.
Abuse and misuse of the power and gifts of God are rampant....but that does not invalidate HIS power, HIS distribution and HIS use of them through vain, imperfect and finite jars of clay.
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
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