Certain Success

The context of this highly debated passage is revelation and Paul showing the Corinthians a more excellent way of service in the Kingdom this side of glory. Paul contrasts the bitty revelation that was evident at the launch of the New Testament Church with something that would replace it, something that would be perfect or complete. This sermon rejects the common belief that the perfect referred to by Paul has to do with the Second Advent with reason as to why this is a dangerous position to adopt. Rather, the perfect refers to the completed canon. This means that the miraculous gifts Paul lists no longer exist in our day and thus prophecy is not to be equated with preaching. Prophecy has ceased along with tongues and the word of knowledge.