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links between the themes of Hebrews and Philippians. These links are
integral, they are not the mere superficial likeness of words robbed of their
contexts, they cannot be ignored or denied without loss and damage to both
teacher and those taught.
The pressing on to `perfection' and the warning of the danger of
drawing back unto `perdition', which we have seen is the central theme of
both the epistles to the Philippians and the Hebrews (Phil. 3:12 -19; Heb.
6:1; 10:39) borrow from the Greek sports their imagery, and speak of the
believer running a race, and pressing on toward a prize.
Now in Philippians this prize is associated with a special
resurrection, see The Prize (p. 305), and in Hebrews this is balanced by a
`better' resurrection. Moreover, in both epistles, power for this conflict
is derived in a marked manner from the risen Christ and is, moreover, linked
with the `working out' of salvation, which is also a characteristic of both
epistles.
The Better Resurrection
`Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were
tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better
resurrection' (Heb. 11:35).
The word `better' is an irregular comparative of agathos, `good', and
cannot be used without comparison. This `resurrection' which involved
`torture' was even `better' than that which restored those who had died to
their loved ones. It is said of these that they would not accept
`deliverance', the reason given being, `in order that a better resurrection
they might obtain'.
The idea of `obtaining' does not fit the doctrine of grace in its
simple and initial meaning. There is an element of `chance' (1 Cor. 15:37)
or `may be' (1 Cor. 14:10) in the word, and the five passages that do
translate tugchano `obtain', speak of something over and beyond that
salvation which is `the gift' of God.
Let us see for ourselves:
`But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the
resurrection from the dead ... are equal unto the angels' (Luke
20:35,36).
`Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day' (Acts
26:22).
`But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also
He is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon
better promises' (Heb. 8:6).
`That they might obtain a better resurrection' (Heb. 11:35).
`Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may
also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory
... If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him' (2 Tim. 2:10 -12).