Pastor's Power Points

Attaining the Resurrection from the Dead

The surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ is nuanced in Paul’s language in Philippians 3:11, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.  A quick reading without consideration of its biblical context might sound like Paul was not absolutely certain that he would be resurrected from the dead. His statement, however, is not one of uncertainty but of humble resolve.  Paul knew that his resurrection to eternal life was as certain as the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promises of Christ (I Cor.15:20; II Pet. 1:4). It is helpful to grasp what Paul had in mind by mentioning the resurrection from the dead. It was certainly his goal, i.e. attain – a place at which to arrive, and it seems that Paul is stating his hearts resolve – “whatever it takes, I want to get there!”

This statement has unique wording. The usual word for resurrection in the New Testament is anastasis. But the word used here (and only here) is exanastasis, literally, “out-resurrection.” This presents a double “out” in the phrase when put together with “from (out of) the dead.” Paul seems to be emphasizing the state of the believer in the present as well as in the future. There is the present spiritual resurrection of the believer (read Eph. 2:4-7) where one is made alive in Christ and raised to newness of life. This is specifically the path of presently becoming like Christ because we are now newly created (in Christ) to do so. In this state the believer is taken out from the state of dead in sin and is alive with the divine life of God.

 With this apparent present and future sense in Paul’s wording, this particular goal of surpassing worth – the resurrection from the dead – is to be like Christ (present) and the be with Christ (future) perfectly like Him. Clearly the apostle was not in love with this present world (read II Cor.5:6-8).  His ambition and resolve was the greater reality of being forever in perfect communion with his Creator/Redeemer.  That he would attain the goal was certain, because that was in Christ. But the path of circumstances and intervening events on the way was unknown. It did not matter.