As we consider the words of the Apostle Paul in the third chapter of the Book of Philippians we can see that his pursuit of Christ vastly exceeds anything most of us have ever heard or experienced.

The idea that the Apostle Paul, toward the end of his life and in confinement, was still seeking to know Christ is difficult to comprehend. Compare Paul's attitude with the glib pronouncement of those who have taken "the four steps of salvation" and imagine that they are now on their way to Heaven no matter how they behave themselves.

When Paul speaks of coming to know the power of Christ's resurrection and sharing His sufferings in order that he might attain to the resurrection from the dead, we of today have little or no understanding of what the apostle is speaking. Yet Paul's words must be important, because he is announcing the primary focus of his life, that of attaining the resurrection to incorruptible life, the first resurrection.

The wisdom and power that are given us to come out of the world, to achieve victory over sin, and to break the shackles of self-will, are gifts of grace that lead to eternal life. Such deliverances are accomplished as we respond to the grace of God in Christ.

In fact, deliverance from the world, from sin, and from self-will, are themselves rewards for doing what God has commanded us. The greatest deliverance of all, the greatest reward of all, is the first resurrection. Those who participate in the first resurrection are the sons and heirs of God. They shall be given the thrones in the air that govern the earth, the result being that the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will fill the whole earth.

The basis for deliverance from the three bondages, and for the life and glory that result from our deliverance, is how we behave ourselves in the world—especially our response to the grace entrusted to us in Christ. As we pursue the Lord with all diligence, obeying Him in every detail, He increases the extent of deliverance we enjoy. Increased deliverance results in increased eternal life.

Deliverance from worldliness, sin, and self-will are works of redemption that make our personality acceptable to God. Beyond this is a compelling desire to embrace all that Jesus Christ is.

No individual is exempt from this accounting. The more grace and deliverance that has been given to him, the more will be required of him in the way of increased obedience, increased service, increased diligence in the things of Christ.

God is a farmer. He is looking for fruit. God is a businessman. He requires an accounting of all that has been entrusted to us. He demands a return on His investment, or else He removes His capital from us and places it in charge of another who has been more diligent.

Although the evaluation of our response to the blessings that have been bestowed on us does not take place until we die physically, the rewards or punishments may reflect backward in time. Even though we have not as yet been judged concerning the decisions we made in this life, we may be entering already into eternal levels of life, status, and service, or of darkness, torment, and death, based on the manner in which we have behaved ourselves and will yet behave ourselves.

To be continued.