Philippians 3:11 says, “If by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” As I was working on memorizing this verse, I wondered what Paul meant. One of my pastor’s gave me Hendriksen’s commentary to help me understand.

He wrote, “These words give expression to Paul’s intense longing and striving to be raised completely above sin and selfishness, so that he can be a most effective agent for the salvation of men to the glory of God…” 

This is why I love Romans 6. In verses 1-2 Paul asked a question and answered it emphatically. Ask yourself this question ~ “Shall I continue to sin that grace may abound?” Hear Paul’s words echoing in your mind. Verse 2 says, “Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”

Our standing was stated in verse 5. The ‘if’ in Greek is since. It says, “For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection.” Verse 4 described it as newness of life.