Take Hold
Take Hold
When it comes to this thing called life, none of us has it all together. I sure haven’t reached the goal. I am not perfect – far from it. I certainly am not there yet. But, my confidence and assurance is in the one that has me secure. In Philippians 3, Paul has argued in the first 11 verses of the chapter that it is not our action that earns salvation, but faith in Christ alone.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 3:12-14
Salvation by faith in Christ alone. As we see in verses 12-14 Paul wants to emphasize that this faith does not mean being a follower of Christ is just about a onetime "statement" of faith with no action. No "easy believism". He uses the phrasing that says; I am trying my best to take hold of Christ just as Christ has taken hold of me. The word he uses is also translated apprehend and carries the idea of being taken eagerly, seize or possess.
True faith in Christ Jesus alone brings about real life transformation - you and I are no longer the same. He changes us. Christ took hold of me - I press on to take hold of Him. Not earning it, but loving it, enjoying it, revelling in His glory, and pursuing Him - leaving all behind and pursue Him.
I want to live with that same zeal and passion – to take eagerly and possess Christ the same way that He has eagerly taken hold of me. With that, I will fix my eyes on the goal and persevere to be faithful and effective for the sake of the Gospel.
How are you keeping your eyes fixed on the finish line and running well as a grateful response to the salvation you have in Christ?