Working Out Salvation
I think this is going to work out
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Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)
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There’s a strange tension here in these verses:
A tension between God’s work and the believer’s work.
It’s clear that as believers, we bear some sort of responsibility for working towards becoming more like Christ. And yet that’s a completely impossible task, without the Holy Spirit working in us.
Theologians call this process of being saved “sanctification.”
It’s beyond that moment-in-time when we were saved (that is, justification).
Like I said, it’s a process.
And, it’s work.
The attitude of this work is reverence and awe.
Or, as the ESV puts it, fear and trembling.
I don’t think this is a life or death fear because I don’t think that would be particularly useful. Rather, I think this is a fear born out of respect.
If I respect the sacrifices God made for me, and if I respect the authority He has over me, then I can respect His desire to participate in this saving work.
Thankfully, God also gives us grace.
He indwells us with His very own Spirit to help us along.
Making it possible to walk this tightrope of God’s work and my work.
And since work is part of our perfection, it is good.
So, how do I work out my salvation?
By following the guidance of the Holy Spirit & participating in His divine work. That’s what Jesus did, that’s what I can strive to do as well.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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