Philippians 2:12
“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”.
This verse is not saying that we are saved by our works. The fear and trembling part refers to us verifying that we are saved. 2 Corinthians 13:5 puts it this way, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” It is a frightening thing to learn that we are not a christian when we thought we were.
How does one do that? I would say that we should pray about it and ask God for clarity. There are plenty of verses that describe the christian experience. If they aren’t our reality then that would be a clue. Romans 8:14-16 says, ‘For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God’. This verse gives several descriptions; we are led by the Spirit. We see design in our ways. There are rescues. He leads us. We have received a spirit of adoption. He welcomes us. Fear is dispelled. The Holy Spirit testifies with our spirits. He confirms that we are His with a unique, secure feeling.
Galatians 5 lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control. It also lists the works of the flesh. It’s one or the other.
I believe this verse is saying one other thing. The phrase “work out you salvation” refers to sanctification. When we are saved, we are forever guaranteed heaven. God sees us as perfect at that moment. However many around us remember the bad things we do. While saved on the inside, it’s to be worked from the inside out. The next verse says, “for it is God who is at work in you”.
It’s like our lives are God laboratory. He puts His love in us and we encounter situations in which we are to use it. We have to deny ourselves. It’s an amazing thing that God is at work in us. What a privilege. The God of the universe, it’s creator is in me and working in me. He loves us and is able to give His attention to all the billion of us at once.
Lord, thank You for Your sanctification. You don’t abandon us, but have adopted us and help us along. What an amazing deal. All day long our spirit cries out to Yours and He confirms to us that we are His. Thank You.