Resurrection of the Dead. Philippians 3:11. “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” When Paul used the phrases “If by any means” or “somehow,” he was not questioning whether it would happen or if he would be raised from the dead. This was a statement of humility, not doubt or uncertainty. He was not presuming upon God but was expecting what every believer does—being raised in a new body to be with and like our Lord forever.
Our Lord Jesus Christ humbled Himself to the death of the cross, was raised from the dead, and then exalted to sit at the right hand of the majesty on high. When a believer has died with Christ and lives in the power of His resurrection, the reward will be eternal at the resurrection of life. “We shall see Him and be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”
Uncertainty may exist about how I will die or whether the Rapture will occur before my death because we don’t hold the key to death. A greater Being than I has designed my life to align with His own pattern, making what He calls me to do suited to His divine purposes. More important than my death is the assurance of a life lived for His glory and the blessings of eternal life that we have forever. I know the resurrection of life is a fact and will happen. “Because He lives, we shall live also.” When God chooses the moment of resurrection, whether day or night, the fact of the resurrection is certain – the way of death is just the first act.
How I meet God, whether through a slow process of death or a sudden departure by the Rapture, I am completely confident that if I die, then after death comes resurrection, and death gives way to God’s power to bring life again. How one dies isn’t a cause for deep worry because God allows it to bring Him glory and to bring believers into glory in heaven. My body will be raised, and when the soul returns to a body made like the body of the Lord Jesus, we’ll understand more about life’s story.
It is enough for me now to be certain that the resurrection will happen. The time and way of it are all in God’s control. I am humbled to know that when I received salvation and eternal life as a gift from God, I became part of God’s infinite plan. It’s not because I am unsure or have doubts. It’s that I cannot fully explain the day or the hour when the Lord will return. When the voice of the archangel gives a shout, and the Church is raised to meet Him, I will be there.
It affects me today in several ways. My daily conduct and practice are influenced by the coming resurrection, when, on that remarkable day, all ties to the earth will be broken. The resurrection of believers in their graves and the instantaneous transformation of living believers will change everything. The purifying effect of looking forward to that day is that my attention is directed toward Him in both deed and thought. Our Lord Jesus Christ opened doors to new life when, with His blood, He bought a bride and gave His own life for them.