Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
12 Not as though I had already apprehended Paul insists upon this, that he may convince the Philippians that he thinks of nothing but Christ — knows nothing else — desires nothing else — is occupied with no other subject of meditation.
Christ is my righteousness, and I stake everything on winning Him, as a runner strains for the prize, as a fugitive reaches the city of refuge. My own works amount to nothing; only His perfect righteousness, received by faith, can make me safe before God's judgment.
AI summary
Commenting on Philippians 3:9-14
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended,.... That for which he was apprehended of Christ: he had not attained to perfect knowledge, was not come to the mark, had not received the prize, or laid hold on eternal life; though he had received so much grace, and such gifts, as had qualified him for an apostle; and he had been so many years in...