Therefore, my beloved, as you 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; - Philippians 2.12
The way this passage is worded in a few English translations is a little
unfortunate. At first glance it might look like our salvation might be
contingent on our own works when we are told to ‘work out your own salvation…’
But a careful look will let us know that is not the case. It is also
based on the verse we are going to see tomorrow.
Paul is not saying that it is up to us to work out our salvation by own
effort and our own works.
What he is saying is that we are to work in such a way that our salvation
is played out before others. Those who say that we don't have a part to play
are missing something. When we are truly saved it will be seen in the outworking
of our salvation.
It is to be done with 'fear and trembling' because it is an awesome
task. It is an awesome responsibility.
We can't keep our salvation private. It is not between us and God alone. As we
live our Christian lives is Christ seen in us a we outwork our salvation for
all to see?
God ordained that His true church would do good works. Is that truth
seen in our lives?
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