I have noticed that most of the time, there are at least two teachings that need to be correct first. If these two things are understood, it automatically corrects many other false beliefs that those people have.
A. “that which is perfect” (1 Cor 13:10)
They believe “that which is perfect” is Jesus. I believe that the scriptures indicate very well that this cannot be the case, but that the “perfect” must be the scriptures themselves. Let’s look at why it is the bible, and not Jesus.
They believe “that which is perfect” is Jesus. I believe that the scriptures indicate very well that this cannot be the case, but that the “perfect” must be the scriptures themselves. Let’s look at why it is the bible, and not Jesus.
1. The original Greek word for “perfect” in this verse is “teleios” (#5046 strong’s concordance)
This word is defined as “complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc) completeness, of full age, man, perfect”
-It’s interesting that Paul uses a Greek word which heightens on the idea of maturity and growth, and then says in verse 11 “but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” He’s comparing spiritual gifts to that of being a child. The church was young and needed the gifts to arrive at maturity, as revelation was what would guide the church into maturity. When he wrote this letter to the Corinthians, they were still “children.” Paul is saying that when the church is “grown up” they will no longer need spiritual gifts.
-It’s interesting that Paul uses a Greek word which heightens on the idea of maturity and growth, and then says in verse 11 “but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” He’s comparing spiritual gifts to that of being a child. The church was young and needed the gifts to arrive at maturity, as revelation was what would guide the church into maturity. When he wrote this letter to the Corinthians, they were still “children.” Paul is saying that when the church is “grown up” they will no longer need spiritual gifts.
-Also, if we look up that word in Strong’s concordance, it also says it’s of the “neuter” gender. The Greek language has gender specific words, kind of like Spanish does…this word is of the neuter gender, meaning it cannot be applied to male or female, rather a thing instead of a person. So it can’t be talking about Jesus.
2. The same Greek word for “perfect” is also used in other verses throughout the new testament. I’ll list some:
-“Ephaphras prayed for the Colossian brethren to be ‘perfect’…He was not praying that they would become deity (like Jesus)…He was praying that they would become full grown and mature, just as the Greek word indicates. (Colossians 4:12)
-Every man is to be perfect in Christ Jesus (“That we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Colossian 1:28)
Obviously, we cannot be perfect (faultless). In the proper context, we can see that Paul states we are to be complete, full grown, or mature in Christ Jesus.
-“Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded…” (Philippians 3:15) As many as be mature, complete, etc. Once again, this is speaking of the Christian rather than deity.
-Paul speaks of Christians being “perfect” (1 Corinthians 2:6, the same book and author under consideration for this discussion) “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect…”
Christians cannot be sinless, but we can be mature.
-The one who controls their tongue is considered “perfect” (James 3:2)
Mature, full grown.
-One who has patience is “perfect” (James 1:4)
Again, mature, full grown.
*Every time this Greek word is used in the bible, it is used to speak of man, not deity.
3. Ephesians 4:11-13--
“and he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ"
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ"
So, according to this passage, the miracles were only purposed to be active until we come to the knowledge of Christ. Do we have something to give us that knowledge now? Yes, the bible, given to us through men that were inspired of the Holy Spirit. The bible teaches us about Christ and the gospel, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. (Also, the word “perfecting” in verse 12 is #2677 in Strong’s, and it means “complete furnishing”)
B. 1,000 year reign
This is a quote from someone that I studied with:
“THEY [miracles] PASS AWAY AT THE END OF THIS AGE WHICH IS GRACE, THIS HAPPENS WHEN JESUS RETURNS. THE AGE THEN IS TRIBULATION FOLLOWED BY THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST FOR 1000 YEARS.
WHEN JESUS SETS UP HIS KINGDOM THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH WILL AGAIN SPEAK ONE LANGUAGE, LIKE IT WAS UP UNTIL THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TOWER OF BABEL IN GENESIS.”
Jesus is coming back a second time, as is supported in the scriptures (John 14:1-3, Rev 1:7, James 5:7, 1 John 3:2, 1 Peter 1:13, Phil. 3:20, Jude 7, Acts 17:30-31)
Most people agree with this.
Jesus will not be coming back to set up an earthly kingdom and reign for 1,000 years. The scriptures, in no way, harmonize with that idea.
1. What will happen on the day Jesus returns?
-All will be resurrected.
“For the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” (John 5:28-29)
-Judgment will come to all people in the last day.
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:48
-The earth and elements will be dissolved and no longer exist
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”- 2 Peter 3:10-13
If the physical earth and skies are going to be burned up and no longer exist on the day He comes, then how can he set up an earthly kingdom and reign on Earth for 1,000 years?
Also:
If the physical earth and skies are going to be burned up and no longer exist on the day He comes, then how can he set up an earthly kingdom and reign on Earth for 1,000 years?
Also:
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”-Revelation 20:11-15
-Death will be destroyed
“the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26…talking about the second coming in context)
-The saints (Christians) will be glorified (Col. 3:2-4)
-Death will be destroyed
“the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26…talking about the second coming in context)
-The saints (Christians) will be glorified (Col. 3:2-4)
2. WHY is Jesus coming again?
-Not to set up a kingdom
“Verily I say unto you, that there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.” (Mark 9:1)
Jesus was talking to those people in the first century that were in His presence. He said some of them would see the kingdom before they die. Have you ever heard of or seen 2,000 year old people walking around the Earth today? This means that Christ must have already established His kingdom, and it was in the first century…the church.
-NOT to give a second chance
-Not to set up a kingdom
“Verily I say unto you, that there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.” (Mark 9:1)
Jesus was talking to those people in the first century that were in His presence. He said some of them would see the kingdom before they die. Have you ever heard of or seen 2,000 year old people walking around the Earth today? This means that Christ must have already established His kingdom, and it was in the first century…the church.
-NOT to give a second chance
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27)
This says that after our death is our judgment….we do not get a second chance after death.
-Jesus will not set a foot on this Earth again
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
This says that after our death is our judgment….we do not get a second chance after death.
-Jesus will not set a foot on this Earth again
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17)
See, it says when Jesus comes that we will meet him in the air. He won’t come down to Earth to meet US, WE will be called up there to meet Him!
See, it says when Jesus comes that we will meet him in the air. He won’t come down to Earth to meet US, WE will be called up there to meet Him!
Here's the challenge: When talking with people about this subject, don't go through every single belief they have and refute them all at once. Start simple with the most important things. In most cases, these two points will cover a lot of ground. And always remember to be honest when studying God's word. If it contradicts something you believe, then change your beliefs.
