Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread":
Someone asks a pivotal question: what does the Bible mean when it says, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” in Philippians 2:12?
It sounds like the direct opposite of John
But a closer look shows that it doesn’t contradict what Jesus said.
The exact Greek word used is KATERGAZESTHE which means literally “carry out to the goal.” In his context, it is clear that Paul is not denying that our salvation is by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8, 9); he doesn’t shoot himself in the foot by teaching opposites. The idea he’s getting across is not to “work FOR your own salvation” but let your salvation that God has already given you in Christ WORK ITSELF OUT through you. Don’t dam up the flowing stream (remember, Jesus says that if we truly believe in Him there will be a well of living water in us flowing all the time to refresh others, John 7:37-39, which He had quoted from Song of Solomon 4:15); now let it flow is the simple idea.
The “fear” Paul mentions is not Taliban terror; the idea is loving reverence, and serious living. What motivates us is not terror, but “the love (agape) of Christ constraineth us” (2 Cor.
The “trembling” is not what you would do if you were facing a firing squad; it’s trembling with happy excitement, like chills running up and down your back when you are thrilled about something superlatively delightful.
Then read on to verse 13 and it becomes crystal clear: all this is God working in you “both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (the fun He knows in saving us)—not you doing it! It’s simply love (agape) busy at work (2 Cor.
And this apparently severe “works righteousness” text in Philippians is like a nut you thought was hard to crack but which has a sweet kernel inside.
And while your attention is focused on Philippians, read again the context of those seven steps that Jesus took in stepping down ever lower to save you from the second death He died in your place (vss. 5-13). And then sing for joy.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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