S26P4 – Our future in Christ: full knowledge
1 Cor. 13:9-10, 12
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part [for our knowledge is fragmentary and incomplete]. But when that which is complete and perfect comes, that which is incomplete and partial will pass away. 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 have been fully known [by God].
One spiritual fact that we cannot explore too often is our incomplete and imperfect knowledge. We must admit that we are physically and mentally limited. Sure, some of us are more gifted in these areas than others, but all of us are incomplete. Scientific research tells us that the vast majority of the human brain remains untouched and unused. Imagine the most brilliant minds in history using only 10% or 15% of their capacity for intelligence. Even these most brilliant people lacked much knowledge. Especially regarding things of the Spirit, there is a lot we humans simply do not know. Our knowledge is not complete, and it will remain so as long as we live in this fallen world. Our comfort is in knowing that we can look forward to a day when our knowledge will actually be complete.
This letter to the church in Corinth gives incredible encouragement. One of the most difficult things about our faith is the fact that we will always have questions. Although the Holy Spirit reveals scripture to us and speaks to us the things of God, we cannot know it all in our current state. Today’s scripture tells us that there will come a day when we will not have questions. There will come a day when we will understand the things of God that are beyond our current capacity. This is a great hope that our currently clouded minds will one day see clearly. We are indeed in a fog even if for some of us the fog is not so dense. We can see only in part at the moment. But the greatness of God’s grace will allow us to come to a full knowledge of him. Yes, we will know God fully as He knows us fully. Only God himself can make this knowledge available to us.
It can be frustrating in this life to feel that we grow to know God more and more daily yet still have more questions about him daily. As we read scripture, the Holy Spirit reveals more and more of God’s truths to us. But the more we learn, the more we recognize how much we still do not know. We must understand that this is no reflection on personal effort or desire to grow in the knowledge of God. We are simply limited in our imperfect state. We can only progress so far. Let us look forward to the day when we will see and understand God clearly. On that day, He will satisfy our every question and allow us to know the completeness of his glory. Father, thank You that You have given us the promise of one day knowing You fully, and remind us of this promise when we grow weary and discouraged while running this race.