There have mainly been three interpretations concerning the meaning of the phrase “when that which is perfect is come,” (1Cor 13:10), as seen below.

1) Some people believe it is a reference to believers dying and going to heaven,

2) Others argue it refers to when Jesus returns to earth.

3) Others believe it refers to the completed Bible, which would then negate the necessity of the Acts period ‘knowledge gifts” listed in verses 1Cor. 13:8-9.

In this study, we will systematically evaluate each of these views to see which one agrees with the context of the verse, in both its near and remote context.

1. Is “When That Which Is Perfect Is Come” a reference to Us Dying and Going to Heaven?

Let’s take another look at the verse and phrase in question. “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Cor. 13:10). This verse says nothing about us ‘going to heaven’ or anywhere, but it does teach that something is ‘coming to us.’ Something coming to us and us going somewhere are two completely different situations.  

Paul continued; “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. (1 Cor. 13:12) The words “face to face” speaks of coming close to see someone or something physically or spiritually. But, often, because of verse 12, 1 Cor. 13:10 is conflated with 1 John 3:2 (below). But, 1 Cor. 13:12 and 1 John 3:2 (below) are not cross-references at all; their contexts are discussing two different issues.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. ² Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we (the believers of Israel) shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:1-2 (KJV)

It is because of the words of a famous hymn by Larry Goss, that verse 2 (above), “for we shall see him as he is” (see also Rev. 1:7) is erroneously used to explain 1 Cor 13:12’s phrase “face to face.” It is then wrongly assumed that 1 Cor. 13:10, “when that which is perfect is come” is used as descriptive of us going to heaven and seeing Jesus for who He really is. Then we’ll see Him “face to face.” And no longer wonder what He looks like. Actually, 1John 3:1-2 refers to when the believers of Israel will actually see Jesus’ 2^nd coming to Israel, when “every eye shall see Him,” not us going to heaven. (cf. Zech. 12:10).

But, a hymnal song is not our authority and it’s not the inspired “word of God.” Just because someone wrote a hymn, does not mean that we are to accept the hymn as truth for sake of tradition. We should discard the hymn and believe the Bible for what it says rather than that what it is presumed to teach. Hymns are to be written based on Bible truth as the authority. It will save us disappointment and misery when we realize that the opinions of men are not going to profit us at all.

The phrase “when that which is perfect is come” has nothing to do with us dying and going to heaven. It’s talking about the completed “word of God” ‘coming’ to us, not us ‘going’ to any place. The real reason why people (particularly Charismatics) take the view of us dying going to heaven in reference to 1 Cor. 13:10 is so that their spirituals gifts—especially tongues — can be viewed as still operating; they say, the spiritual gifts will not cease until we go to heaven. This is a very faulty position to take, for there is nothing in 1 Cor. 13 about dying and going to heaven. On the authority of the Scriptures, we must reject this view.

2. Is “When That Which Is Perfect Is Come” a reference to When Jesus Comes Back to Earth?

This view is similar to view #1 because it too is based on a faulty reading of 1 John 3:1-2.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. ² Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:1-2 (KJV)

Certainly, here in 1 John 3:2, John as an Apostle of Israel, is speaking to believing Israel in anticipation of Jesus Christ’s return to planet Earth, at His Second Coming, which is “the hope of Israel” (Jer. 14:8). This is to occur after the rapture of “the body of Christ” when we will be absent from plant earth. To link 1 John 3:1-2 to 1 Cor. 13:12 and then interpret v10 in light of it, it is to read something into Paul’s writings that the Apostle did not write. Despite what the Scofield Reference Bible has in its margin notes, 1 Cor. 13:12 and 1 John 3:2 are not cross-references—their contexts are discussing two separate issues. As it is said, a text without a context is a pretext (it’s subterfuge)! We must consider the context whenever looking at any verse.

Additionally, to say “that which is perfect is come” is a person, is to support strange and awkward grammar. Do you actually think that Jesus Christ would be called “that which is perfect” in Scripture? It’s quite clear that this phrase is referring to an inanimate object, not a person. The phrase “that which is perfect is come” of 1 Cor. 10:13 does not refer to Jesus Christ or to His return.

Sadly, most modern bible translations re-translate 1 Cor. 13:10 in order to make its teaching less clear, probably in attempt to make it more appealing to those who want the verse to support their denominational doctrine. If left alone, the verse would put their religious systems out of business! The Ryrie Study Bible, New American Standard Version, for example, reads in 1 Cor. 13:10, “but when ‘the perfect’ comes, the partial will be done away.” Its footnote says, “The perfect. A reference to Christ’s second coming.” Nothing could be further from the truth; the context does not allow such a strange view!

The real reason why people, particularly Charismatics, take this view of “that which is perfect” refers to Jesus Christ’s return is, like view #1, so that the spiritual gifts, especially the gift of tongues can be viewed as still operating. It’s said by them that the spiritual gifts will not cease until Jesus comes back. Like view #1, this is a very faulty position to take, for there is nothing in 1 Cor. 13 about Jesus coming back to Earth. On the authority of the Scriptures, we must reject this view as well.