continuation from 8
"Higher than prophesying is its abolition in glorification, which is the coming of the perfect, when one is known as Paul was known by God[2]."
One who prizes the gift (tongue of the heart) is to pray that he may prophecy. When one has arrived there and is proficient in the practice, presume not to think you are a prophet.
"What Paul is saying is that one is not a prophet ( I Cor. 12:29) simply because by tongues he prophesies[4]."
The place one has as participating in the part, is suspended when the Perfect comes, returning to the part in anticipation to be known again.
"When the perfect comes, that which is in part will be abolished. …. Then ... I will be known as also I was known (I Cor. 13:10,12)[2]."
Do you have the gift of tongues? Do you hear such in yourself? Where does your prophecy - your expounding on behalf of the Triune God in the Old Testament come from? This is all wonderful! However, without the experience of transformed godliness do not presume to be a prophet of the New Testament type.
"Paul is speaking about those who prophesy as a result of the gift of tongues[3]."
In earnest prayer move from childhood to manhood in Christ. Do you still transgress the law as defined in the complete view of the Bible? Then you are still a child following hard after Christ in the Church. The Spirit via your conscience will keep you informed on this issue.
"During this time (going from childhood to manhood) one sees by means of a mirror dimly and knows yet in part and prophesies in part (I Cor. 13:9,12)[2]."
Now there is the created law and the uncreated law. Both of these are presented in the Bible without confusion. The letter kills but the Spirit give life? -sounds like the cross, does it not? Did you think that the Christian Faith is just one selection among many religions? It is the free gift, that costs you everything, that returns all things new!
"One goes from childhood under the law (Gal 3:24) to manhood by faith, having the gift of tongues wherein the created Law is replaced by the uncreated law in His human nature in the heart[5]."
Their is a higher level in true Christianity where one indeed knows for sure in part, and yet abides in order to be known again as once already happened.
"I know yet in part, but I will then be known as I was known (I Cor. 13:11-12)[2]."
And I have heard this one and that one say, 'my life has been changed forever!'.
"For we now see by means of a mirror dimly, then face to face[3]."
The Living Law is literally written in my heart!
"When I became a man, I abolished the things of the child[2]."
I abolished the law's relationship to me as tutor, but appreciate even more the law's purpose which abides as the eternal law that it is.
"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child, I reasoned as a child[4]."
As i speak, think, and reason - so am I. But growing up is not a matter of trying to change my speech, thoughts, and reason. The right of passage to manhood is not, having met the glorified Lord - that was the beginning; the right of passage is having been glorified in His Body and Presence and persevering until it transpires again.
.... CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS LISTING ...
[1]. Search for any partial string between any set of quotation marks to follow my sources.
[2]. ALL MY SOURCES ARE ON LINE.
[3]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[4]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[1-5]. John S. Romanides, Romanity.org
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