WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION!
(7/19/2010)

I believe strongly in proclaiming the gospel of grace. Our salvation is purely based upon the work that Jesus did, not based on the work we do. The teachings of Jesus were so opposed to the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees that some might assert that he was a destroyer of the law. But Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets". He replied that he had not come to destroy it, but to fulfill it.

All religious works and law are fulfilled and completed in Him. To fulfill means to complete its purpose. He was the end or the completion of the law and any form of working for salvation. The law was a "schoolmaster to bring us to Christ" (Gal 3:24), but Paul declares by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, "After faith is come we are no longer under the schoolmaster." In other words, we are no longer under the law, because of faith. (II Cor.3:6-13; Eph.2:15; Rm.10:4; Col.2:14-16; Rm.7-8)

But inevitably, when we proclaim these truths, someone will bring up Philippians 2:12, ".work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." They will say that we are saved by grace, but now that we are saved, we must do work of one kind or another to grow in God's favor and blessings.

How are we to rationalize this Scripture in the face of so many Scriptures that tell us that we are free from law and are not saved by works. What is the "work" that Paul was talking about? I believe the answer can be found in the words of Jesus Himself in John 6:29, Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe (have faith) on Him whom He hath sent."

Additionally, the writer to the Hebrews tells us, "Let us labor therefore to enter into His rest." (Hebrews 4:11). What does the word "labor" mean? It means to WORK HARD. What does the word "rest" mean? It means to NOT WORK AT ALL. So this verse seems to be telling us to WORK HARD at NOT WORKING.

"..With fear and trembling" could've been translated "..with worship and sincerity." This is always that attitude we should maintain in God's presence and throughout every day.

So the next time someone brings up the Philippians verse, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling", I would encourage you to respond, "This is the work of God that you believe (have faith) in Jesus" and point out that we are to work hard at entering into His rest.