1 Corinthians 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.

Yesterday I implied that everything we think we know needs to be clarified. I know that my perceptions are colored by my experiences and emotions. There is always a deeper truth that I cannot perceive with my eyes and ears nor even my heart. This concept of knowing the truth perfectly is beyond our comprehension because we are not yet perfected.

When I think about knowing all things with the clarity of truth that reveals the thoughts, intentions and actions of everyone that ever lived including their failure to comprehend correctly, one quote comes to mind. “You can’t handle the truth.” Colonel Jessup, A Few Good Men. We know in part because in our imperfect state we really cannot handle all the truth.

If I were to know exactly how my words and actions were to affect another person, I would probably not do or say anything ever again. I am not emotionally equipped to deal with those consequences. Our knowing in part allows us to act out of a place of best intentions. We take what we know and try and apply it to any given circumstance. Hopefully we are acting out of love and not any of the darker emotions we possess.

To know all things in the same manner God knows us is beyond my imagination and I have a vivid imagination. Everything I have been taught and discovered on my own tells me I am not equipped to handle all truth. I have a difficult time accepting those things I have done and feel.

Clarity comes when I see that Jesus came to save me from myself. I only know for a fact those things which He has revealed to me. Everything else is flawed perception.

Luke 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

This is the only time in the KJV bible that these two words are put together, perfect understanding. Let me expand on the “all things” for a moment and remind ourselves that the “all things” comment refers to what Luke says in verse 1, “those things which are most surely believed among us”. It is not in all things but refers specifically about those things which were in common belief about the events surrounding the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Nothing else is in question as to what is contained in all things.

John 4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

Here the Samaritan woman expresses her understanding of the coming Messiah’s ability to express all things, but is her understanding correct?

John 5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

Here Jesus expresses a perfect understanding of what the Father is doing in that moment with the purpose of glorifying the Father. All things are limited to an event or events as revealed.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Here all things is inclusive only of those things which Jesus said and wants repeated, not everything under the sun.

1 Corinthians 13:9-10 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

So then when perfection comes, that which we knew in part, we shall no longer know.

We know nothing as we should know it. (1 Corinthians 8:2)