Question: In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he writes in chapter 2 that they should work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. I was under the impression that they/we can’t do anything towards our own salvation, that it is a gift from God.

Thank you for your answers and patience, and God bless.

Dave

Answer: Dear Dave,

The passage you quote is verse 12 of chapter two – but you will note that verse 12 ends with a comma. Verse 13 is still part of the same sentence, and modifies the meaning of verse 12 with the following, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."

Not much in verse 13 about our works, our efforts, our virtues, our building character, etc. Ephesians 2:8-10 shows us that we are not saved by works, we are saved BY grace FOR works. We are saved in order to be his workmanship, so that in and through our lives the light and example of Jesus Christ might be reflected (not generated, and there is a difference) so that God might receive all the glory. We obey and follow Jesus Christ because of what he has done for us, and because he lives his life within us, enabling us to be and to do all that he wills.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht