Face to Face: The Abiding Graces of Faith, Hope, and Love

1 Corinthians 13:12-13

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.

13 And now stays faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

It is a pleasure to offer a detailed analysis of the beautiful conclusion to the great chapter on love, 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 focusing on a clear and kind explanation for every word 💖.

I. The Contrast Between Now and Then 1 Corinthians 13:12

This verse speaks about how much we understand about God and eternal things in this life compared to how much we will understand in the future:

“For now we see through a glass, darkly”

• Now: Refers to the time we are living in right here on earth, before Jesus returnsARSH April 14, 1863, page 158.10.

• We see: Refers to our spiritual understanding and discernment4T 88.2.

• Through a glass: In ancient times, mirrors were often made of polished metal, which gave a less clear reflection than modern glass mirrorsARSH April 14, 1863, page 158.10.

• Darkly (or dimly): This means that our view of God and heavenly realities is currently obscured, partial, or unclear, as if looking through a cloudy lensARSH April 14, 1863, page 158.10. Our spiritual eyesight can be blurred and darkened by unbelief, making it difficult to recognize the truth 2 Corinthians 4:3-413LtMs, Ms 10a, 1898, par. 9. If we walk in the world's spirit, our love for God grows cold, and we become spiritually blind, unable to see the great difference between those who serve God and those who do notRH August 25, 1910, par. 5.

“but then face to face”

• Then: Refers to the time when the perfect state has come, meaning the kingdom of glory that is soon to be revealedARSH April 14, 1863, page 158.10+1.

• Face to face: This signifies direct communion and clear vision, where nothing obscures our view of the divine, much like the glorious appearance of the sacred furniture in the sanctuary reflected the colors of the rainbowSH 48.3+1.

“now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known”

• I know in part: Our knowledge of God, even with the most faithful Bible study and understanding of prophecy, is incomplete and partial in this lifeARSH April 14, 1863, page 158.10.

• I shall know even as also I am known: This describes a future where our understanding will be complete and perfect, matching the comprehensive knowledge that God already has of usARSH April 14, 1863, page 158.10. The faculty of reason, trained and cultivated here, will be perfected more and more in the heavenly school aboveSW April 24, 1902, par. 4.

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II. The Three Abiding Graces 1 Corinthians 13:13

This is the glorious conclusion, naming the three graces that remain forever, even when prophecy, tongues, and partial knowledge ceaseARSH April 14, 1863, page 158.10.

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three”

• Abideth (remains): These graces are permanent spiritual treasures, essential for every Christian, unlike the temporary gifts that will cease when Christ returnsARSH April 14, 1863, page 158.10+1.

• Faith: Faith is the cornerstone of Christian life and the motive power of the gospelSW April 24, 1902, par. 4. It is defined as the substance of things hoped for Hebrews 11:1DAR 375.2. Without faith, it is impossible to please God Hebrews 11:6PTUK September 21, 1893, page 389.7. True, living faith is demonstrated by actively obeying God and trusting Him fully, even when difficulties ariseGCDB February 9, 1893, page 205.4+1.

• Hope: This grace is an inseparable companion of faithDAR 375.2. The Christian’s hope is not merely a desire; it is based on certainty, resting upon the powerful fact of Christ's resurrection from the deadPTUK June 15, 1893, page 179.5. It is described as an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast, which has entered within the veil, keeping us firm through all trials Hebrews 6:19ST April 21, 1890, par. 11+1. This blessed hope is the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ Titus 2:13PTUK July 20, 1899, page 452.13.

• Charity (Love): This word is interchangeable with love in this contextARSH June 18, 1857, page 54.3+1. Love is defined as the most valuable grace, or gold tried in the fire, which makes the heart spiritually richARSH April 14, 1863, page 158.10+2. Keeping God's commandments is the expression of this love 1 John 5:3RRCS 34.6.

“but the greatest of these is charity”

• Greatest: Love is supreme because it is the bond of perfectness Colossians 3:14ARSH June 18, 1857, page 54.3. Love, unlike faith and hope (which are superseded by sight and reality), never fails and continues eternally as a resident grace in the kingdom to comeARSH April 14, 1863, page 158.10. The very character of God Himself is love, which is infinite and unwavering 1 John 4:8SITI April 7, 1887, page 214.13+1.

Love takes precedence even over faith, because true faith works by love Galatians 5:6PTUK September 21, 1893, page 389.7+1. If we were to possess every gift and all faith, but lack this selfless, unselfish love, we would still be nothing 1 Corinthians 13:2-3EVRR142+1.

The purpose of these abiding graces is to prepare us for the great consummation, the coming of Christ, ensuring that we rise higher and higher to a state of perfection25LtMs, Lt 96, 1910, par. 5+1. By clinging to Jesus and dwelling on His love, we can triumph over Satan and be counted among those who are eternally rich4LtMs, Lt 7, 1886, par. 15+1.