Work out our own salvation
Legalistic people love to point out Philippians 2:12 as evidence of needing works as part of our salvation. Since we believers are no longer blinded by the veil of Moses though, which produces old covenant thinking (2 Corinthians 3:14-16), let's take a look at that verse through the lense of truth and grace (John 1:17).
Philippians 2:12 KJV
"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."
"Work out?" The Apostle Paul wrote that in his letter to 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 at Philippi. People who were already saved. So, he couldn't have meant that we have work to do to be saved. Additionally, we know, because Paul told the believers at Ephesus, that our salvation is NOT by works.
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Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬, lest any man should boast."
Since salvation is 𝐧𝐨𝐭 the result of works, and since his readers were already saved, what did Paul mean, "work out your own salvation?"
Here's the apostle's next line in his letter to the church at Philippi.
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Philippians 2:13 KJV
"For 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐝 which worketh 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
It isn't us that does the work within us. "It is God." It isn't our work or efforts that save us or keep us saved. It is the grace of God through faith in his son, Jesus, that saves us and preserves our right standing with God.
We believers are sealed by his Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14) who resides within us (1 Corinthians 6:19) and produces his fruit through us (Galatians 5:22-23). The fruit of the Spirit is projected out of us changing us more and more into his image (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Since we are saved by such amazing grace, and since the Holy Spirit is in us working the fruit of the Spirit out of us, what is the work that is left for us believers to do?
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John 6:27-29 KJV
"Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. [28] Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? [29] Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."
What about the "fear and trembling" part though? What's that about? We believers have nothing to fear from God (2 Timothy 1:7). We are adopted by him (Ephesians 1:5 & Romans 8:14-16). We HAVE "eternal life." We are born again, and our birth certificate is sealed by the Holy Spirit. Our redemption is sure (2 Corinthians 5:5-6). We are already seated with him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
So, now look 👀
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2 Corinthians 7:15 KJV
"And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him."
That's the fear and trembling part. The law did its job and it showed us our depravity and that we were in need of a savior. We feared his wrath and we perceived his gracious gift to redeem us and save us from eternal death. Having such repentance, a change of mind and direction, we turned to the Lord and we received him as our Savior.
We are good to go. Don't let the spiritually blind people lead you into doubt and eventually into sharing their blindness. Keep the faith.
Reflecting on the scripture verses shared in the article, I’ve found that grasping the concept of salvation as both a completed gift and an ongoing experience really transforms one’s faith journey. The phrase "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" in Philippians 2:12 initially seems to imply that salvation depends on our efforts. However, deeper study reveals Paul’s motivation was to encourage believers to live out their faith seriously and humbly, knowing it is God who empowers them. Understanding that salvation is God’s gift (Ephesians 2:8-9) reminds me that our spiritual progress is rooted in grace, not self-reliance. The "fear and trembling" part isn’t about being afraid of God’s judgment but rather reflects a reverent awe and gratitude for the salvation we have received. This reverence is a natural response to recognizing the kindness and holiness of God, much like when we appreciate a priceless gift—it moves us to thoughtful, sincere living. In my own experience, allowing the Holy Spirit to work “in me to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13) means daily surrender and dependence rather than striving to earn salvation. It’s like tending a garden; the growth is powered by God’s divine care, but I also participate by nurturing it patiently and faithfully. The "fruit of the Spirit"—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—becomes evident as this cooperation flows naturally. John 6:27-29 emphasizes the importance of faith as our ongoing "work," which aligns perfectly with the idea that believing in Jesus is the core of God’s work in us. This faith isn’t a one-time act but a continuous trust that shapes how we live. This perspective helped me personally avoid falling into legalism or doubting my standing before God. Instead, I focus on living with integrity and grace, reflecting the salvation God has already secured for me. Lastly, the article’s caution against seeking salvation through works alone is timely. It’s easy to fall into spiritual blindness when missing the heart of grace. Instead, embracing salvation’s assurance empowers believers to live boldly and joyfully, grounded in God’s love—"eternal life" assured and present in us. This holistic view enriches the understanding of salvation not only as a spiritual status but a dynamic relationship nurtured by God’s presence, grace, and our responsive faith.
