Paul testified that Christ was the first that should rise out from dead

ones (Acts 26:23), and Luke takes us a step further, and brings us nearer to

the teaching of Philippians 3, when he wrote:

`But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the

resurrection, that which is out (ek) from dead ones' (Luke 20:35).

We return to Philippians 3, and perceive that the apostle speaks of an

out -resurrection, that which is out from among the dead, something which

could be attained, but about which there was an element of uncertainty,

because it was related, Not with the Hope of our calling, which is not a

matter of attainment and about which the apostle could entertain no

uncertainty, but with the Prize of the high calling of God (Phil. 3:14), and

the very nature of a Prize which is to be won induces an element

of uncertainty.  We must therefore continue with this principle of comparison

and see what the apostle has said elsewhere, in `the words which the Holy

Ghost teacheth' concerning the nature of a Prize.

`Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth

the prize?  So run, that ye may obtain.  And every man that striveth

for the mastery is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a

corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  I therefore so run, not as

uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep

under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means,

when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway' (1 Cor.

9:24 -27).

The fact that while `all' run, `all' do not attain, is enforced in the

following chapter.

`"All" passed through the sea.  "All" were baptized.  "All" ate and

drank of the same spiritual meat and drink, but with "many" of them God

was not well pleased' (1 Cor. 10:1 -5).

This reference to the overthrowing in the wilderness leads us to

Hebrews 3, another comparison of spiritual things, and to the `Better

resurrection' of Hebrews 11:35.  It leads us also to Revelation 20:6 with its

`First' resurrection, limited as it is to those who were overcomers, and

linked, not only to living with Christ, but reigning with Him, a distinction

which is made very clear in 2 Timothy 2:11 -13, and which leads on to

`Rightly dividing the Word of Truth'.  Two words found in Philippians 3

are discovered to be key words of Hebrews, they are perfection  and

`Let us Go On unto perfection' (Heb. 6:1).

`We are not of them who Draw Back unto perdition' (Heb. 10:39).

Things accompanying salvation  6:9

Work out salvation

Heavenly city

11:10; 12:22

Citizenship in heaven

11:26; 13:13

Fellowship of sufferings

10:35; 11:26

The race set before us

I press toward the mark