The verse in question, 1 Corinthians 13:12, states “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” This verse comes in the midst of Paul’s famous discourse on love in 1 Corinthians 13, and serves as a transition between Paul’s description of love as the greatest spiritual gift and his subsequent discussion of prophecy and tongues in chapter 14.
So what does Paul mean when he says “now we see in a mirror dimly”? This metaphor of seeing dimly or indistinctly through a mirror was a reference to the imperfect mirrors of ancient times. Mirrors of Paul’s day were typically made of polished bronze, and would yield murky, blurred reflections compared to modern glass mirrors. Looking into one of these ancient mirrors was like looking through a cloudy piece of glass – you could make out general shapes and images, but not see clearly or distinctly.
Paul uses this metaphor to make a point about our current human understanding compared to the perfect understanding we will have when we are in God’s presence. In our present earthly life, our perception and understanding, even of spiritual truths, is limited, imperfect and incomplete. As with a dim reflection in an ancient mirror, we grasp the basic contours but lack sharp focus and clarity. We know the barest outline of God’s truth, but not the full, vivid expanse of it. But one day, when we are with God in eternity, we will see fully and completely, with 20/20 spiritual vision.
Some key implications from this verse about our limited present knowledge:
- We cannot understand God fully – He is infinitely greater than our finite minds can comprehend, and some mystery about Him will remain.
- We cannot perceive the depths of God’s truth – we see its general shape, but miss nuances and details.
- We cannot grasp how all of Scripture fits together perfectly – we catch glimpses of connections, but not how it harmonizes completely.
- We cannot know how all of God’s plans and purposes fit together – we only see fragmented threads, not the grand tapestry.
In summary, “seeing dimly in a mirror” is a vivid metaphor for the present incomplete and imperfect nature of our understanding, compared to the complete knowledge of God we will enjoy in eternity. This should humble us and make us cautious in how dogmatically we hold our current theological perspectives. It should also excite us to think of the unclouded vision that awaits us when we meet Jesus face to face.
1. Our understanding of spiritual truth is limited in this life
Paul’s metaphor of looking dimly into a mirror points to the limited nature of our spiritual insight and understanding now compared to what awaits in eternity. Several factors contribute to the current limitations and imperfections of our perception of God and His truth:
- We are finite – Our minds are limited in their capacity. God’s truth is infinite. We will never fully grasp it (Romans 11:33).
- We are fallen – Sin has corrupted our understanding and created bias in how we interpret God’s truth (1 Corinthians 2:14).
- We see imperfectly – Our vision is clouded; we do not have the full picture (1 Corinthians 13:9, 12).
- We know only in part – We grasp fragments of truth, not the whole (1 Corinthians 13:9, 12).
Given these limitations, we must remain humble about our current theological opinions and interpretations. We should hold them cautiously and with open hands, recognizing that our understanding is not on par with God’s (Isaiah 55:8-9). As Calvin commented about this verse, “We must ever be aware of how far our sight is from being keen and clear when we look in the mirror.” Our knowledge will always be dimmer than the perfect light of God’s truth.
2. Complete understanding awaits us in eternity
While our present grasp of spiritual truth is partial and blurred, Paul promises that one day we will see clearly and fully. When we are in God’s presence, our understanding will sharpen and expand dramatically. No longer will we struggle to fit together the fragmented pieces of truth – we will see the completed puzzle in blazing detail. Specifically, Paul says we will go from:
- Seeing dimly to seeing face to face – from cloudy glimpses to crystal clarity (1 Corinthians 13:12).
- Knowing in part to knowing fully – from fragments to completeness (1 Corinthians 13:12).
- Being fully known by God to fully knowing God (1 Corinthians 13:12) – from being in the dark to coming into the light about Him.
The promise of this perfected understanding should bring us great hope and anticipation. The nuances of theology that elude us now will make sense. Mysteries about God’s nature and ways will be solved. Questions we currently cannot answer will be unraveled. Our studies of Scripture will continue, but without the hindrance of limited faculties. What a joyful quest for truth awaits us!
3. This truth should humble us and make us teachable
Since our present understanding of spiritual truth is admittedly limited and imperfect, this should foster humility in us. We must approach theology with open hands, not clenched fists. Our studies should be marked by teachability, not dogmatism or arrogance over disputed matters of interpretation. As Paul wrote:
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (Romans 12:3)
We must also allow others freedom to interpret unclear matters differently than we do. Our limited vision should make us gracious, patient and charitable towards those with theological perspectives we disagree with over secondary issues. Let us speak God’s truth, but hold our opinions with humility.
4. This truth should caution us about dogmatism
Not only does this verse promote intellectual humility, it also warns against interpretive dogmatism. Since our current understanding is limited, we should be very cautious about emphatically insisting upon the correctness of all our theological opinions. Our vision is still fuzzy and indistinct, so dogmatic certainty is rarely appropriate on disputed matters of biblical interpretation. As John Wesley advised:
“Think not that you have attained this grace of charity if you are not as earnest in seeking knowledge as those that know the least…Still your knowledge will be imperfect; and you are ignorant of many things which you might know. And those who have attained the highest degree of knowledge in this life are equally convinced that still they know little in comparison to what remains to be known.”
Let us hold firmly to biblical truths that are clear while allowing room for debate in areas where Scripture allows for multiple perspectives. Seeing dimly should lead to interpretive humility.
5. This truth should make us value God’s revelation
While imperfect, the glimpse of spiritual reality God has given us in Scripture is still immensely valuable. It provides enough clear teaching to show us how to be saved and live God-honoring lives. Through diligent study, aided by God’s Spirit, we can know biblical truth sufficiently to walk in obedience. We should not allow the unclear portions of Scripture to undermine our confidence in the clear portions. As Charles Spurgeon said:
“Enough is revealed in Scripture for our guidance. There we have all the law and testimony we shall ever need. With this lamp we may traverse the whole length of the dark valley of death and never need a brighter illuminant. That which is necessary for salvation is plain as the sun at noon.”
Seeing dimly does not negate the brightness of what we do see. Let us rejoice in the treasure of insight we have been given in God’s Word!
6. This truth should make us long for eternity
This verse is meant to increase our anticipation for eternity. The promise of perfect understanding to come, unfettered by our current limitations, awakens our longing for heaven. Like looking through a foggy window and awaiting the sun to burn it away, we yearn for the obscurities and indistinctness of now to be replaced with flawless perception. As John Piper put it:
“How we should long for the day of perfect spiritual sight. To see Jesus as He is! To see His glory as He sees it! To know ourselves even as we are known! To see God’s mysterious ways vindicated! Oh, the anticipation of that day when all is plain!”
Let this hope stir joyful expectation in us. The clearer view we have now should only increase our hunger for the perfect view to come. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
7. This truth should make us value love over knowledge
Paul places this metaphor about imperfect knowledge in the context of his great chapter on love (1 Corinthians 13). This is no accident – it highlights that love trumps knowledge in God’s economy. Even perfect knowledge will one day fall away when the perfect comes (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). But love remains forever, the greatest virtue (1 Corinthians 13:13).
This should lead us to value love over disputable matters of theology. right doctrine without love profits nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2). Even with unclear vision on secondary issues, we can still walk in unity if we give each other grace (Ephesians 4:2-3). Let us dwell on the importance of love, not just the intricacies of knowledge. For love will last into eternity when knowledge passes away.
In conclusion, Paul’s metaphor of seeing dimly and knowing partially in this life serves to humble us, make us cautious in our dogmatism, stir longing for eternity, and remind us that love should be elevated over debatable doctrinal matters. While awaiting the clarity of vision to come, let us walk humbly and lovingly on our journey toward knowing fully, even as we have been fully known.