Working Out Our Own Salvation
Philippians 2:12 says, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Paul addressed this verse to the believers in Philippi for them to “work out” their “own salvation.” He did not say to work for or to work up their salvation. Because that would mean they had to work in order to obtain their own salvation (Titus 3:5)! As bible-believing Christians, working out our “own” salvation means that we have been personally given eternal life as “the gift of God” (Eph 2:8), by trusting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour by faith (Jn 1:12).
And we know that it is His will for us to obey Him (Jn 14:15), not to save ourselves, but because we are already saved! Obedience to “that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom 12:2), is the clear evidence of our salvation. People will know us (Mt 7:20), because of “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22), and “holiness” (2 Cor 7:1), that they see in our lives. To “work out” our salvation does not mean that we are working to stay saved. Rather, it is now the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in our lives (Rom 8:9), Who fills us (Eph 5:18), and leads us (Rom 8:14). He enables us to “walk in the Spirit” (Gal 5:16), so we can mind “the things of the Spirit” (Rom 8:5).
This is accomplished “with fear and trembling.” Which reminds us that since we are still in the flesh (Rom 6:19), we are prone to sinning (Rom 7:18). Therefore, we must humbly serve the Lord “with reverence and godly fear” (Heb 12:28), that “is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov 9:10). We need godly wisdom (Jms 3:17), to carry out and complete the tasks that God wants us to do! When He saved us, He equipped us to work (Eph 2:10). He then expects us to spend some time studying “the deep things of God” (1 Cor 2:10), so we can grow toward maturity (2 Pet 3:18)! God bless you!
- Pastor Melito Barrera
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