Working Out Your Salvation

By Kayode Emmanuel

Devotional Reading: “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.” Philippians 2:12 KJV

By nature and creation, man was given task to do right from the garden in Eden. Therefore, it is foreign and deadly for man to be idle, especially for a longer period of time. It could lead to sickness of all sort if all a man does is to eat and sleep. Also, an idle man is the devil’s workshop, says an English proverb.

Having said that, the idea of man engaging in various activities to get things done has been transferred into the spiritual as well and in this context, into the matter of salvation of man. Many believe erroneously that to be saved, there are series of things to be done outside of believing and confessing Christ as Lord and savior. They believe salvation cannot be received but rather should be obtained (worked for).

Today’s text did not suggest for man to work for salvation. If that were to be true, it will be inconsistent with the truth of the scriptures that salvation is by grace and not of works. The scripture says, every believer must be more careful to do the good things that result from being saved. That is to say, good works are product or fruits of salvation and not the root or source of it.

Prayer and Confession
I am saved by grace and the grace of God in me enables me to live as I should, working in me both to will and do of his good pleasure. Amen

Further Reading: Gal. 2:11-21, 3:1-13, Eph. 2:7-8