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"the better country" and "the better thing" (11: 16 and 40), closely allied with "the better
resurrection" of verse 35. Did those who qualified for "the better country" enter it at
death? Did those who suffered and obtained a "better resurrection" enter it at death?
Heb. 11: tells us that they did not:--
"They all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise, God
having provided some better thing for us, that they, without us, should not be made
perfect" (Heb. 11: 39, 40).
The record of Caleb and Joshua is beyond question; the statement of Heb. 11: is
explicit too. And surely the evident parallel that we have already seen between Hebrews
and Philippians also has a bearing here. The "better resurrection" is to the "heavenly
calling" of Hebrews (3: 1) what the "out-resurrection" is to the "high calling" of
Philippians. As we said before, the analogy must be taken for what it is worth, but let us
not forget that it is worth a whole book of unenlightened exposition, however spiritual
and elevation such exposition may appear to be.
#6. What resurrection was taught as being "past already"?
pp. 109 - 112
We have already exhibited the close parallel that exists between Hebrews and
Philippians, and before we leave the debated theme of these articles, we want to use the
parallel that exists between Philippians and II Timothy to call attention to a solemn
word of warning that appears to be related to this subject.
We have no need to demonstrate that Ephesians and Colossians are a pair of epistles;
that is self-evident. This leaves us Philippians and II Timothy of the four great prison
epistles. Are these a pair? Let us see.
Philippians.
II Timothy.
"Rightly divide the Word of truth" (2: 15).
"Try the things that differ" (1: 10).
"Strive for the masteries" (athleo) (2: 5).
"Striving together for the faith" (sunathleo)
(1: 27).
"I have finished my course" (4: 7).
"I press toward the mark" (3: 14).
"No man is crowned except he strive
"For the prize" (3: 14).
lawfully" (4: 8).
"Henceforth a crown" (4: 8).
"The time for my departure is at hand"
"Desire to depart" (analuo) (1: 23).
(analusis) (4: 6).
"I am now about to be offered" (spendomai)
"Yea, if I be offered" (spendomai) (2: 17).
(4: 6).
Here is evidently unity of theme--the crown, the prize, the contest, the athlete. If
every other item were removed, the most evident parallel between the desire to depart
and the time of departure, or the willingness to be offered and the fact that the offering