The Bible says, “The truth is the Good News. When you heard the truth, you put your trust in Christ. Then God marked you by giving you His Holy Spirit as a promise (Ephesians 1:13 NLV). God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT)
The Bible also says, “…. continue to work out your salvation….” (Philippians 2:12 AMP)
Huh? Does Paul (or God) contradict himself? Do we have to work…or not? And if we do, how much, and what does that look like?
Unfortunately, when we hear the word work, we usually jump into action. By nature, it only makes sense that we must do something to receive something. And by culture, we live in a “busy all the time” society. So, when it comes to God and salvation, it would only make sense that the more we do the better.
We go to church, we volunteer, and attend Bible study. We do ministry, outreach, feed the homeless, and help the poor. We study the bible and try to accomplish every directive perfectly, helping others do the same, striving to save souls. All while juggling to be good Christians, spouses, parents, and friends. Now, collectively and in and of themselves these things are good, but is that what Paul meant by work?
Let’s read the rest of Philippians 2:12-13 from the Amplified Bible
…. Continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. 13 For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.”
So, as I understand this, my “work” is to cultivate my faith by actively pursuing God. I am to take a good look inside and be transparent with Him and myself, all while keeping my eyes on Jesus. Allowing Him to work in and through me as He gives me the ability to fulfill my purpose; for His good pleasure, which glorifies God.
As I’ve shared in my last post, I have been on the journey of a lifetime visiting altars. It’s interesting that just the word journey commands my attention because I’ve always struggled with the journey. Usually, it’s the goal I seek and the journey is just a means to an end. I’m sure fear has a lot to do with it. It’s like I have blinders on each side of my head blocking my eyes from seeing anything in my peripheral vision, only focusing forward on the result.
But God is more interested in the journey, because that is where He teaches and molds and accomplishes His goal in me and my desired end is of little concern. My part of “working out my salvation” is to give up control and trust Him.
Journey. Visiting altars. Giving up control. Working out my salvation. All words and phrases that make me uneasy. But God—that’s the phrase that must give me the ease I need to keep moving forward. As I learn to loosen my grip, open my eyes (even just a little) and pay attention, I’m beginning to see God’s beauty in the dips and turns. Pain can turn to beauty in God’s hands.
We’ve established that we are saved by grace and that salvation is not a reward for good deeds. We’ve also established that it is up to each of us to “work out our own salvation.” Stay tuned as I flesh out what that looks like for me. Until next time, let's pray…
Father, for those of us who struggle with enjoying the journey, help us to make a conscious effort by trusting You. And when we try to put those blinders back on and plow forward, give us a panoramic view of all that You would have us see; for our good and Your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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