Work Out Your Own Salvation

by Mitchell Tan
October 11, 2018

ASPECTS OF SALVATION

There are many aspects to the doctrine of salvation. Let me highlight three of them.

1. THE CHALLENGE TO TAKE UP OUR CROSS AND FOLLOW THE LORD JESUS (MATTHEW 16:24)

When we truly appreciate our salvation, the challenge is to also deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow the Lord Jesus fully.

2. THE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION (MATTHEW 19:29)

When we come to true faith in the Lord Jesus, there should be this assurance of spiritual blessings and eternal life in heaven.

3. THE CALLING TO SALVATION AND TO BE OBEDIENT TO THE FAITH (ROMANS 1:5)

Through Christ, Paul had received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith. One aspect about having salvation is to be obedient to what God has called us to do. If Jesus is our Saviour and Lord, then we as His servants are meant to be obedient to Him.

THE CHALLENGE TO OBEY

Paul wrote of how the Philippians were meant to be obedient to the Lord and His word.

1. THE CHALLENGE TO BE EVEN MORE OBEDIENT

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence …”
Philippians 2:12

Paul had seen how the Philippian Church had learnt to be obedient to the Lord when he was with them in person. His challenge to them was to find greater resolve to continue to be obedient to the Lord in his absence. Even though he was not with them, they were to have greater spiritual responsibility to continue to keep God’s word.

2. THE CHALLENGE TO OBEY WITH THE HIGHEST REVERENCE FOR GOD

“… Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling …”
Philippians 2:12

Salvation is never a static thing. It is meant to be expressed in a definite manner. God’s work is meant to be done with the highest reverence for the Lord. The two words “fear” and “trembling” are words that are very similar in meaning. This is a figure of speech. The emphasis is on the idea of having the fear of the Lord within our heart. We too must work out our salvation with reverence for the Lord.

GOD WORKING IN US AT A HIGHER LEVEL

“… For it is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13

When we seek to obey the Lord and work out our salvation, He will work within us to go on to a higher level of life and ministry. The word “work” is the Greek word “energeo”. It means to “be energised” for a work. The Lord is the one who is strengthening and energising us on a continuing basis. He is working within us deeply. When we work out our salvation, the Lord God will work in our life further to bring us to a higher level of faith. Firstly, He would work on our will. He would cause us to humble our spirit, submit to His will and purpose to do it. Secondly, He would also energise us to do His good pleasure. We would get down to actually do things according to His will. Let’s seek to work out our salvation. Let’s pray that the Lord will strengthen us to do His will.

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