With Fear and Trembling

Salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ. But so many false religions, to include the Catholic Church place a tremendous emphasis on good works to earn salvation. Scriptures are twisted and contorted to support their beliefs while many scriptures are completely ignored. Christians have always been saved for good works, not by their works, which makes a believer seek an explanation behind the meaning of what Paul commanded the Philippians in verse 2:12 when he wrote “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” The verse does not say we are to earn our salvation. Jesus didn’t go to the cross so we could earn our salvation. The work of salvation has been finished once and for all. When something is finished and completed, the payment has been received. However, people still feel the need to earn their salvation or some may feel as if they are going to lose their salvation, as some denominations and false religions teach.

So what does Paul mean by “work out”? The Greek meaning is that of a miner who would dig all of what God had put under the earth’s surface. I think of a coal miner who “works” to remove the valuable resources God has placed inside the mountains. Deep within the mountains is “black gold” just waiting to be dug out. By God’s hand something hidden so deep can be brought to the surface for the benefit of millions.

This is what Paul meant for the Christian. Hidden deep within every believer, the Holy Spirit is at work. As the believer studies the word, they learn the truth and are able to rightly divide God’s word and apply it. Most importantly they are able to grow into the likeness of Christ, the ultimate individual goal of every born again believer. Christians are able to “work out” everything holy and good that God has deposited inside of them. However, most importantly Christians are able to continually work to fulfill God’s plan for their individual lives and take an active part in their sanctification. Translation, believers can “work out” while the Holy Spirit sanctifies.

Finally, “with fear and trembling” believers are to “work out” their salvation. In other words, Paul is saying “work out” your salvation with a healthy fear of God and a deep reverence for His holiness and righteousness.