We Don’t Know as God Knows

We Don’t Know as God Knows

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”

— 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NKJV)

Imperfect Theology, Perfect Savior

None of us holds a perfect theology this side of eternity. Our knowledge is partial, our interpretations shaped by weakness, culture, and limitation. What we can possess—and what matters most—is a saving faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Salvation has never rested on our flawless grasp of every doctrine, but upon the finished work of Christ. As Paul wrote: “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9, NKJV).

Surprised by Grace

I am convinced we will be surprised in the Kingdom. Some we expected to see may not be there. Others—whom we never imagined—will shine in Christ’s glory. Jesus Himself said, “The tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you” (Matthew 21:31, NKJV).

Grace is bigger than our categories, broader than our expectations. We don’t know the whole story of a life, nor the secret dealings of God in a heart.

What We Can Judge—and What We Cannot

Scripture does call us to judge certain things. We must weigh teaching against the Word (1 John 4:1). We must discern fruit, for “by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20, NKJV). Within the household of faith, we are called to exercise discipline when sin persists openly (1 Corinthians 5:12–13).

But someone’s eternal destiny? That judgment belongs to God alone. We cannot see into the depths of a soul, nor can we know what transpires in those final moments of life. As the Lord told Samuel: “For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV).

The Final Word

We walk humbly, knowing our sight is dim, our judgments partial, our knowledge incomplete. What we can proclaim with certainty is this: salvation belongs to the Lord.

Let us live with discernment, yes, but also with reverence, mercy, and hope—entrusting the souls of men to the God who knows them perfectly.

Because in the end, there will be surprises. But there will be no mistakes.

Gospel Invitation

Have you trusted in Christ—not in your theology, not in your works, but in Him alone?

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 3:23; 6:23, NKJV).

Confess Him as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9, NKJV).

In Christ, and in the hope of His coming,

Robert Rousseau

Candlefish Ministries

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5, NKJV)