The Permanence of Love (1 Corinthians 13:8-13)

 

Jonathan Edwards wrote: ‘Heaven is a world of love.’

  1. Love will outlast gifts.
    • 13:8-10. Prophecies, tongues, and knowledge (I assume he means supernatural knowledge) will cease. The question is ‘When?’ Heaven or when the full revelation is given with the writing of the New Testament?
    • 1 Cor.12:28. Tongues are the equivalent to prophecy if they are understood (1 Cor.14:5). For prophets and prophetesses, see Acts 21:8-9, 10-14. This seems to die out early in Church history.
    • 13:11; Eph.4:11-14.
  2. Life on earth is partial; in heaven it will finally be complete.
    • 13:12; in ancient Corinth mirrors were made of polished brass. There is imperfection and so a need for growth – Phil.1:9-11; Ps.119:27.
  3. Love is forever.
    • 13:13. Faith and hope look ahead, to something greater – Rom.8:24; 2 Cor.5:7; Heb.11:1 – a contrast to heaven (1 John 3:2).
    • 1 John 4:8; John 13:1; Rom.5:5. Leon Morris: ‘The commentator cannot finish writing on this chapter without a sense that clumsy hands have touched a thing of exquisite beauty and holiness.’ Prophecy will pass, tongues will pass, words of knowledge will pass – they have passed, in my view. Even faith and hope will be swallowed up in something greater, while love will simply be perfected.