Why “Twilight Faith”?
The name Twilight Faith has its roots in 1 Corinthians 13:12:
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
I’ve learned again and again that even when I am most confident of something (and perhaps even correct), I don’t see the whole picture. Honestly, I’m glad for this, because if God’s grace was limited by my understanding of how grace operates, I would know exactly where I’m going — and it wouldn’t be heaven. It’s comforting to know that now we can see, but not yet clearly. We know the shape and form and existence of what is there, but the details and depth remain hidden to us. It is a bit like seeing the world in the twilight that happens after dawn. =)
I would end my answer here, but I think it is very important to mention how we know we are able to see at all. If I feel as though I can’t see at all, then I will inevitably fall into theism, deism, agnosticism, relativism, atheism or any of a number of -isms depending on what I feel more inclined to believe is true. If we are all indeed blind, no one would have the right to counsel or rebuke or correct anyone (or write about God and be taken seriously).
But we can see, and indeed have seen, if we believe the words of Christ who was sent from God1.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” ~John 14:6-7
It is a strange combination of being assured of what we are seeing and confident in our faith, but knowing that God is much greater than we can possibly conceive of or imagine. It is faith that walks in the light of the glory of Christ.
Virginia Chen
1. Matthew 3:16-17, 7:21, 10:32-33; Mark 1:10-11; Luke 3:21-22, 10:22; John 1:14, 3:10-13, 3:31-36, 5:24, 5:36-40, 6:43-51, 6:57, 8:16-18, 8:54, 12:49, 14:6-10, 14:24, 17:20-26, 20:21