> The Apostle Paul’s exhortation to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12) has puzzled many believers over the years. At first glance, it might seem to contradict the fundamental Christian doctrine of salvation by faith alone in Christ alone. This article aims to unpack this verse and demonstrate how it aligns perfectly with the broader biblical teaching on salvation.
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The Context of Paul’s Statement: Harmony, not Contradiction
To understand Paul’s words, we must first look at the context. In Philippians 2, Paul is writing to believers who have already received salvation through faith in Christ. He’s not instructing them on how to be saved, but rather on how to live out their salvation.
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” – Philippians 2:12-13
What “Work Out Your Salvation” Doesn’t Mean
It’s crucial to understand what Paul is not saying. He’s not suggesting that we can earn our salvation through works. This would directly contradict his own teachings elsewhere:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
What “Work Out Your Salvation” Does Mean
1. Living Out What God Has Worked In: The Greek word for “work out” (katergazomai) carries the idea of bringing something to completion or fully expressing it. Paul is urging believers to fully express the salvation that God has already worked in them.
2. Sanctification, Not Justification: This verse is about the process of sanctification (growing in holiness) rather than justification (being declared righteous before God). Justification is a one-time event; sanctification is an ongoing process.
3. Cooperating with God’s Work: Note that Paul immediately follows this command by saying “for it is God who works in you” (Philippians 2:13). We’re not working alone, but cooperating with God’s ongoing work in our lives.
The Role of “Fear and Trembling”
The phrase “fear and trembling” doesn’t imply terror, but rather a reverent awe and serious commitment. It acknowledges the gravity of living out our faith and our dependence on God in this process.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10
Harmony with Salvation by Faith Alone
This understanding of “working out our salvation” aligns perfectly with the doctrine of salvation by faith alone:
1. Faith as the Root, Works as the Fruit: Genuine saving faith inevitably produces good works. As James writes, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17).
2. Evidence of Salvation: Our ongoing “working out” of salvation serves as evidence of the genuine faith that saved us. As Jesus said, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16).
3. Gratitude and Love, Not Earning: We don’t work to earn God’s love or salvation, but out of gratitude and love for what He has already done. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).
The Believer’s Responsibility
While salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace, received through faith, the believer has a responsibility to actively pursue growth in Christ. Peter exhorts:
“Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” – 2 Peter 1:5-7
Conclusion
Paul’s exhortation to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” is not a contradiction of salvation by faith alone, but a beautiful description of the Christian life that follows genuine saving faith. It’s a call to live out the implications of our salvation, to cooperate with God’s sanctifying work in our lives, and to grow in Christlikeness.
As we understand this verse correctly, we can embrace both the free gift of salvation through faith in Christ and the serious, joyful responsibility of growing in our faith. Let us then, with reverent awe and serious commitment, work out what God has worked in, always remembering that it is His power at work within us.
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