Philippians 3:12–14
“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus… forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Let’s pause and ask a big question:
What exactly is Paul trying to “lay hold of”?
Some folks say he’s talking about the resurrection from the dead—as in, the rapture or life after death. But honestly, that wouldn’t make much sense here. I mean, if that’s all Paul meant, verse 12 would be a little awkward, right?
“Not that I have already obtained it…”
Well, of course not. Nobody had. It would be a “duh” moment.
But Paul isn’t talking about physically rising from the grave. He’s talking about something far deeper and more immediate: living out resurrection life here and now—victoriously, powerfully, and with childlike trust.
What Did Paul Want to Lay Hold Of?
Back up to verses 10–11 and you’ll find the list:
- That I may know Him
- The power of His resurrection
- The fellowship of His sufferings
- Being conformed to His death
- So that I may live “out from the dead” (Greek: exanastasis)
Paul is not waiting to experience these in heaven, but rather Paul wants to experience it in his daily walk.
Even last phrase? It’s not just about the afterlife. It’s about experiencing resurrection life while walking among the spiritually dead. Paul wasn’t trying to die and get to heaven as fast as possible—he wanted to fully live the Christ life now.
Forgetting What’s Behind — It’s Not What You Think
We often hear people quote this verse like it’s about forgetting our mistakes and moving on. While that’s a decent application, it’s not what Paul is saying in context.
The stuff Paul wanted to forget?
All the fleshly stuff from earlier in the chapter: nationality, pedigree, reputation, performance, law-keeping.
He’s saying, “I’m done trusting in all the things that once made me feel important.”
Instead, he’s straining ahead—not toward retirement in heaven, but toward resurrection life now. Toward Jesus being expressed more fully in him every day.
No, Paul Wasn’t Worried About Losing Salvation
Let’s make this clear. Paul wasn’t doubting whether he was saved. He wasn’t afraid God would drop him from the team.
He knew his salvation was secure. But he also knew that saving faith is more than a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle of continual trust in Jesus, not self. That’s why he said he hadn’t “perfected” it yet.
Because let’s be real—we all have areas where we still default to trusting ourselves. Job. Education. Social media platform. Status. Charisma. It’s easy to say “God is my provider” while secretly hoping your resume speaks louder.
The Real Prize? Living Like Jesus Right Now
Paul wasn’t running just to finish. He wasn’t chasing some cosmic trophy in the sky. He was after this:
“That I may be found in Him…
That I may know Him…
That I may experience the power of His resurrection…”
That’s the prize.
To truly know Jesus. To walk in resurrection power. To suffer with Him and be conformed to Him. To live out from among the dead.
Don’t Wait to Die. Live Now.
Too many Christians live like the only hope is heaven. But Jesus didn’t save us just to get us there—He saved us so He could live through us here.
So don’t live like someone just waiting to die.
Live like someone who can’t wait to love, serve, and bring life to others.
Run—not just to finish the race—but to become more like Christ in every step.
Because that’s the upward call.
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