Page 71 - Gods Plan of the Ages

who are the firstborn of Christ who will receive similar distinction and honor.The spiritual
substance of the shadow of the firstborn is fulfilled in those who attain to the first
resurrection. Both deal with birth order; first the natural, then the spiritual. Regarding
those who attain to the first resurrection, we read that they too are considered especially
holy unto God, and are blessed by Him.

Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second
death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christand will reign with Him
for a thousand years.

Only those saints who attain to the first resurrection will be so honored. The apostle Paul
spoke of his own earnest yearning to attain to this group.

Philippians 3:10-14
To get to know him, and the power of his resurrection and fellowship of his sufferings,
becoming conformed unto his death, - If by any means I may advance to the earlier
resurrection, which is from among the dead: Not that I have, already, received, or have,
already, reached perfection, but I am pressing on - if I may even lay hold of that for which
I have also been laid hold of by Christ Jesus: - Brethren! I, as to myself, reckon that I have,
not yet, laid hold; one thing, however, - the things behind, forgetting, and, unto the things
before, eagerly reaching out, With the goal in view, I press on for the prize of the upward
calling of God in Christ Jesus.
(Rotherham Emphasized Bible)

Paul understood that there is a premier resurrection from the dead. There is a prize
to be contended for. The prize is to be numbered among the firstborn of Christ. Paul
buffeted his body and kept it under subjection that he might not be disqualified. He ran the
race as one who was not without aim, for he knew what awaited those who crossed the
finish line first. Paul applied all diligence, all discipline, all focus and determined effort, in
the pursuit of attaining to the number of the firstborn from the dead. If you and I have any
inkling of what awaits the firstborn we will also be gripped by the pursuit of this high
calling.

I Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run
in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises
self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an
imperishable. Therefore I run in such away, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not
beating the air; but I buffet mybody and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have
preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.

Paul clearly had something in mind here other than the common view held today by
a majority of Christians concerning what awaited him in the afterlife, in the resurrection
from the dead. Paul discerned that there was a prize for which to strive.
Paul was raised as a Pharisee. He knew the Law and the prophets. Paul discerned the
types and shadows of the Old Testament. He discerned that something of a profound nature
was foreshadowed in the laws of the firstborn and the laws regarding firstfruits. He wanted
to be numbered among that elite company.