The Hope of our Heavenly Calling

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
 
The context of this passage is our true identity in Christ. It does not come from outward traits, such as circumcision, or zeal for the law.  Nor does not come from earthly relationships or accomplishments.
 
It comes from the “excellency of the knowledge of Christ” and to be “found in Him.” The Greek word for excellency means to hold yourself to what is above. Not surprisingly, Paul goes on to explain that our citizenship is in Heaven. The Greek word for citizenship is politeuma (pol-it’-yoo-mah), which is where we get our English word for politics.  It literally means to behave, live, or let your conversation be of Heaven.
 
In short, our earthly behavior is not to be driven by what we see in this world but what we know of the Kingdom of Heaven. Paul goes so far as to say in verse 20 that our conversation or focus should be our eager expectation of our Lord’s return.
 
Some in the Church shun this scriptural mandate because they belittle it as escapism. What it actually refers to is the prevailing strength to overcome not only death through resurrection at the rapture, but also to fulfill our calling to bring down the hierarchy of evil spirits influencing this world. In other words, we get to restore the rightful order over the earth as joint-heirs with Christ.
 
It cannot happen before its time, just as Jesus could not begin His earthly ministry before it was time. The kairos signs are important, but the key is the correct chronos timing.
 
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.” Philippians 3:14-15