Ex-Resurrection, the Ascention
Acts 4.20 We cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard. These are the words of Peter spoke to Jews when they arrested him. Sounds like the words Jesus spoke to Nicodemus, that “We speak what We know and testify what We have seen”. Peter may have understood the plurality of God in himself as Jesus displayed as should we.
Paul had first hand insight to the plurality of God dwelling in us. He knows when the plurality is present in him or if he just speaks on his own authority, meaning solo. Read I Cor 7.25+40 as examples.
We make this point because God does not want us to be in darkness, meaning uncertainty. We can “walk in the light as He is in the light”.
I was drawn to Philippian 3 this morning to dig into, having my proverbial knife and fork in hand, bib under my chin, seated at the Kings table, partaking of this great feast. For We often sup together (Rev 3.20).
My focus was to return to vs 10. where I had previously caught a glimpse of the ascension as our proper focus. It reads “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection (anastasis), and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection (ex-anastasis) from the dead”.
In researching the greek words interpretated “resurrection” used two times in that passage, I find the translators again show their confusion. These are two different words for resurrection. One of them arises from the other. The first use for the word “resurrection” is the word “anastasis” and is rightly translated “resurrection”. The second time resurrection is used is the word “ex-anastasis”, which they also translate resurrection, and that was a blunder.
This is the one and only time in the scriptures “ex” is used with “anastasis”. So one could simply deduce that they are NOT the same and should not have been translated the same or Paul would have used the word “anastasis” twice instead of adding an “ex” attached to the front of them which explicitly differentiates it from the other. When you are in a thing, to leave is to exit. This is a more appropriate view of anastasis and ex-anastasis. The second one leaves the first.
I believe Paul was showing us a difference and even a contrast. Ex-anastasis, meaning out of resurrection. Ex means out like exit. Pauls inference to leave the resurrection was referring to the ascention as an object of our faith. A topic largely overlooked in scripture, but part and parcel of the gospel.
So as a believer you are in the resurrection from baptism, being raised to newness of life “In Christ”, which Paul commonly teaches, like in Romans and elsewhere. That you are raised from the dead, for you to be able to ascend. This is the correct picture of the resurrection (from the dead) to then ascend is more accurate.
This is why Paul wrote in the same chapter “ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Describing for us and elevation change.
So you can be called “ex” out of the resurrection, like popcorn in a pan. We reach forward in the faith. To know the “resurrection” or the “power of the resurrection” is the ascention. It’s the difference of seeing a rocket on the ground verses experiencing the take off. Arise, let us go up from here, as Christ commonly said. This is clearly what Paul is trying to convey here in Philippians 3 by saying things like “I press towards the prize, the upward (ascending) call”, and “I leave those things behind and reaching forward (ascending,) to those things that are ahead” or above. And “as many as are mature have this mind”.
Paul goes on to say “follow my example’. And his focus is then stated in verse 20 saying, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. So to ex-anastasis, ex-out of the resurrection is to look to the things above and ascend, (Col3.1) Look to the things that are not seen (I Cor 4.20). Or even like in Hebrews 11 that “they looked to the city whose builder and maker is God”.
To put this into proper perspective, I was watching a Youtube clip about “Christian Zionist” and the push to support Israel, Jerusalem, and a third temple. It was Christian leaders with Zionist Jews. To this Paul addresses perfectly as a contrast of focus, stating, “Brethren, join me in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
So if we are hidden “in Christ” to be revealed in the last time, that we will appear with Him in Glory? Don”t short sell your inheritance. Don”t be like Esau who traded his inheritance for an earthly morsal. For that is what we do if we buy into the lie of an earthly city for god. That is dispicable.
Hold fast to the word of faith, for in due time we will reap if we do not faint.
So which Kingdom is ours? I think the distinction is clear. For as many as have this hope? Peace be upon them, upon the Israel of God.
For those who understand old testament pictures, When Abram went into Egypt he said that Sarah was his sister. Why? Because he was afraid they would kill him. And rightly so, those in the world, in Egypt, kill the Bridegroom and take the bride to themselves. They build the city. They deny Christ, the King of that city, the true city, they build a counterfeit. Be it Rome, Mecca, or Jerusalem.
As many as are mature look to our citizenship from above.
The Kingdom of God is at hand, as you arise in understanding. Blessings