Work Out Your Own Salvation – Part 2
“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; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13).
One might ask whether this passage teaches works-based salvation. Absolutely not. While obedience is a condition of salvation, the same obedience in no way merits or earns one’s salvation. Jesus said, “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do’” (Luke 17:10). Even if one were to obey Jesus’ every command, he would still be an unprofitable servant.
Philippians 2:13 explains. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” One’s salvation will be because of his obedience to God’s plan. When one obeys God’s plan, God works in his life because it is His plan. When one accepts God’s words and obeys them, his will and deeds are God’s and result in His being pleased.
This does not mean that God controls people independent of their own free will. If that were the case, then one would not need to work out salvation in any sense at all. God would do everything. That view of verse 13 would contradict verse 12. First Thessalonians 2:13 is parallel. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” This verse explains how God works in the heart of the believer—through His word.
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley