12 Therefore, my beloved, 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; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13 NKJV)
Let’s begin by making it very clear that what Paul is saying is not that we are working for our salvation but that we are working out our salvation. There is an enormous distinction between for and out. We can do nothing for our salvation, that is what Christ work on the cross accomplished. But we must know that once saved that we should want to work out that salvation by doing good works.
People can also get hung up on the “fear and trembling” part of this passage. Paul is not telling us that we should be afraid of the Lord, no, he is telling us that we should approach the Lord with fear and trembling. This just means that we have a healthy fear of Him so that we understand the consequences of our sin actions. Thus, we desire His love and salvation and look upon anything short of that with fear and trembling.
Reflect on: Just how you “work out” your salvation through acts you do for Christ.
