1 Corinthians 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. I. THERE ARE MANY CONSIDERATIONS WHICH SHOW HOW VAST WILL BE THE ATTAINMENTS OF THE GLORIFIED SPIRIT. 1. All causes of ignorance and error will then be entirely removed. Here below, not only the body of flesh, but still more the body of sin, darkens our understandings. But in heaven, sin will no longer becloud our minds; prejudices will be eradicated, the passions, refined, purified, and directed to their proper object, will only aid us in the pursuit of truth; and the cares and pleasures of the world can no longer affect us. 2. Our intellectual faculties will be greatly strengthened. Our faculties shall ever be in vigorous exercise, never requiring to be relaxed, always penetrating and active; our imaginations ever unclouded; our memories never losing the knowledge we have acquired. 3. Much of our improvement depends upon the society with which we associate. "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise." We shall be companions of the redeemed in the world of felicity. 4. There the redeemed shall be instructed by the all-wise God (Revelation 21:22). 5. The knowledge of the saved will be increasing throughout eternity. II. WHAT SHALL BE THE OBJECTS OF OUR KNOWLEDGE? The glorified saints shall know God — 1. In His nature. 2. His attributes. 3. His works of creation. 4. His works of Providence. 5. Redemption through the blood of Jesus. 6. The Word of God. III. WHAT WILL BE ITS CHIEF PROPERTIES. Our knowledge shall be — 1. Immediate and intuitive. Instead of the labour, cares, processes of reasoning, that are here necessary, we shall have only to open our souls for the reception of that celestial light which will flow into them from God, the source of light. 2. Full and adequate, both in variety and degree, and certain and infallible. 3. Transforming. 4. Beatifying. 5. Unfading and eternal.Conclusion: This subject — 1. Is calculated to animate Christians and comfort them. You now lament that you know so little of God and the Redeemer; wait till the light of eternity shall burst upon your view, and then you "shall know even as you are known." 2. Leads us to lament the doom of men of unsanctified genius and learning. 3. Should give us consolation on the death of pious friends. You may again meet them, advanced in knowledge and perfect in bliss. (H. Kollock, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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