Work Out Your Own Salvation

"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. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Phil. 2: 12-13 KJV)

It is not my intention to write exhaustively on these verses as that would require more time and effort than I have at the present. However, I do want to say a few things about them.

When I was in High School, just after being converted and baptized, I recall talking to my Math teacher about religion. I don't even remember the context of our discussion. But, one thing I do remember well in regard to his words to me. He said "you must work out your own salvation." In spite of the fact that he was Catholic, his words to me still ring in my ear to this day. His point was to emphasize to me that salvation was a personal matter between God and me. I believe that with all my heart. Whatever I can do to help others to work out their own salvation, I will do it. But, my chief concern and effort is to work out my own salvation.

As I have grown older and come closer to the time of my departure I see even more the importance of heeding the words of the apostle. I am working on myself. I realize that nothing in this world is as important as my salvation. Physically I cannot do the things I once could. Even my mind is not as sharp as it once was, and my memory suffers. But, in spirit, I am still working, trying to get closer to the Lord, trying to be more like Jesus, cleaner, purer, and more holy. It is a battle. It is a fight to the death. The flesh is strong. The world and the Devil too. Getting tired, the temptation is to quit or give up. But, I must not, I cannot! I must win Christ! I must fight and persevere!

With all the work I do in bible study and writing for the good and salvation of others, my major work is for my own salvation. I cannot neglect my own salvation. It is part of what it means for me to get my house in order. I don't want to die while far off from my God and Savior.

Now, I of course do not believe that the salvation in the words "work out your own salvation" is a "time salvation" as the neo Hardshells teach. It is the same salvation that God is working in! When the scriptures teach that salvation is not by works, it is not excluding the need to work, or to labor, in order to win Christ and final salvation. That is an Antinomian error. Rather, "not of works" is referring to the basis or grounds of salvation, not what is part of the means. Jesus said "he who endures to the end shall be saved." (Matt. 24: 13) That is what I am trying to do as I work out my own salvation with fear and trembling. That is what I would encourage all to do!