In 1st Corinthians 13:11-13 Paul measures love not on mere time but on its quality throughout time, making an equally remarkable statement that God’s love will never evolve or mature into a new state—it is pure perfection. Notice in verse 13 that these three virtues all “abide”—that is, they remain and will pass on into eternity.
•Faith: This is the deliberate response to the provision of God; it is trust in evidence that has led to action. Now mark this—faith will abide (remain) in heaven. Oh, it will be different inasmuch as faith will no longer lack sight, but faith will always respond to God’s glorious provision as we will always have someone in front of us too glorious to behold as to cause us to respond in trust. Faith will go on possessing Him more fully!
•Hope: Yes, this too will remain in eternity, as hope is that confidence in the future. It is that expectation of yet more to come, and this too will not end once eternity comes. Our eyes will be opened, seeing all there is, but with the vastness of God’s glory, we will be constantly amazed and expectant of more of Him. Hope will continue catching new glimpses of His glory!
•Love: Of the three graces, Paul says that this is greatest—not more durable or longer lasting, but greater. How so? Well, it is God’s very nature! God is not faith, nor is He hope; instead, He is Love. God cannot believe because He knows everything. He cannot hope because He possesses everything, but He can and does Love because He is love. Love is greater also because it alone is sacrificial, as we can only give love to others. Love at once is the strength of faith and the inspiration of hope.
•Exclude love from faith, and all you have is a cold intellectual conviction with no power.
•Exclude love from hope, and all you have is a dream filled with emotion but no foundation.
•Oh, but add love to these and see into eternity! No wonder Paul starts chapter 14 with the admonition to pursue love!
All we need is love, Christians—the world cannot compete; it is what our lives are to be all about: to become more loving, patient, kind, and honest! Everything must move to that end or be regarded as a waste of our time!