Work out your Salvation
by JLee
Philippians 2:12
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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 alone has been the source of the majority of the works based salvation, in these days. Especially when coupled with James 2:17's 'faith without works is dead', has been responsible for some of the greatest falling away from sound Biblical teaching. So is Paul is straying from his original theme of salvation comes through faith in Christ alone doctrine? We know there are no mistakes with God's word so is there something we are missing?
Word study
One of the first most noteable features Philipians 2:12 is that it says "work out your salvation" not 'work for'. That one word makes all the difference in the world. The saying 'work out' usually brings to mind an athlete who is strengthening himself by weight lifting or running. The more you work out the stronger you get. On the other 'work for' brings to mind a job or profession where you are working for a paycheck or some benefits like healthcare. The intent of the work is completely different in both cases and the results yield is likewise completely different. More than likely Paul rather than telling his readers to obtain salvation by works, was simply telling them excercise their faith. |
Works based salvation
Works based salvation is clearly prohibited in the Bible over and over again, especially in the New Testament. We only find one mention of it Deuteronomy that it was the basis of the Old Testament for Israel. All throughout, Israel struggled to keep all the sacrifices, feast, and ordinances set out by God, showing the works based salvation to be clearly inferior as it was based off of merit instead of God's grace.
Deuteronomy 6:25 (KJV)
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.
It is quite a surprise, that knowing this, Protestants would be trying to find some way, any way to go back to it. Perhaps because it was an easy measure to see one's holiness when compared to another. However God tells us no matter how good we think we are, what entrance to Heaven demands is complete perfection. We can not attain this perfection on our own. It is just impossible. Israel showed it and the churches that embrace a works based salvation plan have also shown it.
The point Paul is making with Philippians could be probably summed up by: You are saved, so now what? Going back to our athlete example, we could put it another way: You've got the muscles, what are you going to do with them? We all know without regular exercise muscles eventually atrophy. Same could be said about our spiritual life. We need to exercise it otherwise our old bad habits might take over and we find ourselves uncaring, unsympathetic, or worse.
Works based salvation is clearly prohibited in the Bible over and over again, especially in the New Testament. We only find one mention of it Deuteronomy that it was the basis of the Old Testament for Israel. All throughout, Israel struggled to keep all the sacrifices, feast, and ordinances set out by God, showing the works based salvation to be clearly inferior as it was based off of merit instead of God's grace.
Deuteronomy 6:25 (KJV)
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.
It is quite a surprise, that knowing this, Protestants would be trying to find some way, any way to go back to it. Perhaps because it was an easy measure to see one's holiness when compared to another. However God tells us no matter how good we think we are, what entrance to Heaven demands is complete perfection. We can not attain this perfection on our own. It is just impossible. Israel showed it and the churches that embrace a works based salvation plan have also shown it.
The point Paul is making with Philippians could be probably summed up by: You are saved, so now what? Going back to our athlete example, we could put it another way: You've got the muscles, what are you going to do with them? We all know without regular exercise muscles eventually atrophy. Same could be said about our spiritual life. We need to exercise it otherwise our old bad habits might take over and we find ourselves uncaring, unsympathetic, or worse.
The Real Question
The main reason why Philippians 2:12 is such a weak spot for most Christians is that we are usually taught with little or no assurance of salvation even if one has accepted Christ years ago. The biggest question for us is can salvation ever be lost, in the first place? Many denominations treat salvation as something that needs to be constantly updated with good work. It keeps their church attendance up and giving because their eternal destiny might be in jeopardy. Many would be surprised that the God's word doesn't not support this at all.
The main reason why Philippians 2:12 is such a weak spot for most Christians is that we are usually taught with little or no assurance of salvation even if one has accepted Christ years ago. The biggest question for us is can salvation ever be lost, in the first place? Many denominations treat salvation as something that needs to be constantly updated with good work. It keeps their church attendance up and giving because their eternal destiny might be in jeopardy. Many would be surprised that the God's word doesn't not support this at all.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Romans 4:6 (KJV) Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Romans 11:6 (KJV) 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Galatians 2:16 (KJV) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 1 John 5:4-5 (KJV) 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? Titus 3:5 (KJV) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; |
Salvation is an all or nothing deal. You either have accepted the free gift from God or you haven't. There is no more grace or less grace when it comes to God. He doesn't only give you a bit of salvation every time you are good. That is not His personality. Either you are saved or your not. The problem lies is that we humans are fickle and make all our dealings conditional. Therefore we think God deals the same way with us. Fortunately God isn't.
So question remains: Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? If you have, that's wonderful. Have you exercised your faith lately by loving God and loving your neighbor? But if you haven't, will you not today?
Perhaps you were like me asking I'm not sure I know how to accept Jesus. All it starts with is a prayer from the heart and believing that Jesus came to this earth and died in your place.
So question remains: Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? If you have, that's wonderful. Have you exercised your faith lately by loving God and loving your neighbor? But if you haven't, will you not today?
Perhaps you were like me asking I'm not sure I know how to accept Jesus. All it starts with is a prayer from the heart and believing that Jesus came to this earth and died in your place.
Dear Lord God. I know I am a sinner and need your gift of salvation from my sins. I BELIEVE IN JESUS, the Son of God, as my personal Savior. I believe that His death on the cross and resurrection provides forgiveness for ALL my sins past, present, & future. Please forgive all my sins and come into my heart and life. I hereby trust in Jesus FINISHED WORK alone, and NOT upon me & my "good works", as sufficient to make me right with you and fit for Heaven. Please forgive ALL my sins and come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Seal me with your Holy Spirit until the day you come to take me home. In your Son Jesus’ name. Amen.
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