“that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection . . .” Philippians 3:10
Earlier in this chapter, Paul declares that he counted “all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus . . . .” In spite of all the things about which he could have boasted, this knowledge was above all things excellent to him. What is so striking about the apostle’s desire is not simply his longing to know Him, but that he wanted to know “the power of his resurrection.” We might have expected him to say: “that I may know him, and the power of the risen Lord.” But no, he says: “that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection.”
Why “the power of his resurrection”? Because it is basic and central in our knowledge of Christ. Without it, the cross has neither meaning nor power. Without it, there is no answer to Christ’s amazing question: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Without it, His “It is finished” statement loses its meaning. Without it, there is no atoning sacrifice for sin, no satisfaction of God’s justice, no eternal righteousness and life for God‘s people. Paul’s desire is both beautiful and crucial: “that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection.”
What is that power? For one thing, it is the power of righteousness, the power by which the sinner is justified apart from the works of the law. That’s our most fundamental need, isn‘t it? Righteousness! By nature, we don’t have it. In Adam, we lost it. And in order for it to be restored to us, it is necessary that this word of righteousness come out of the mouth of the Almighty God.
And that is what occurred on the day of Christ’s resurrection. On the first day of creation, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light when and because God spoke. He was raised for our justification! That we might be right with God!
The power of the resurrection is also the power of life. For when Christ was raised from the dead, He came forth as the Head of His Body, the Church. Thus, not only was life restored to Him, but also to us. He not only represented us, but is united with us and we with Him. He is the vine on which we are branches. We are inseparably united to Him in His resurrection. And His resurrection brings us life, new life. Life out of death, light out of darkness! Life incorruptible and immortal! Without the resurrection, there would be no life for H is people! On that resurrection day, God said: “Let there be life for my people,” and there was life! Christ arose!
The power of the resurrection is also final glory, namely, the resurrection of the body. When Christ arose, both death and the grave were conquered. In the flesh, Jesus took our sin and with it went through the earthy grave. But it could not hold Him, for He broke its power and came forth victoriously. And He came forth glorified.
And His resurrection is a guarantee of our own resurrection. Because He arose, we too shall rise some day. And with glorified bodies, we shall also be able to share in the glories of heaven with Him in the Father‘s presence.
No wonder Paul counted everything else as refuse for the sake of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus! And no wonder he pointed so specifically to the Easter event: “that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection.” For the power of the resurrection consists of righteousness, life and final glory. Without it, there would be no righteousness for us, for the Bible tells us that we by nature are all unrighteousness. Without it, there would be no final glory for us, for the wages of sin is death. But in this season, we can shout “Hallelujah! Christ arose!” And with joy and gladness flooding our souls, we can raise our voices in praise to God, singing:
“Christ the Lord is risen today,” Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say; Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high; Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply. Alleluia! Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! Following our exalted Head; Alleluia! Made like Him, like Him we rise; Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Alleluia!
That you, that I, may know him, and the power of his resurrection!
