Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling

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.

This verse is quite commonly misinterpreted in the church today, summed up this way, "Brother, you are not saved unless you work out your salvation with fear and trembling?"

That's wrong.

First, remember that we were saved by grace, independent of our works.

Ephesians 2:8-9(KJV)

8. 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.

Titus 3:5(KJV)

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

On the ground of God's eternal purpose, grace and works are two parallel lines that can never meet.

Romans 11:6(KJV)

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

One salient thing to take note of in our theme verse is the grammar used.

Notice the clause used is "WORK OUT your salvation"

NOT "WORK FOR your salvation."

So, it has nothing to do with securing your salvation. On the contrary, it means, FROM THE UNDERSTANDING THAT YOU ARE SAVED, work it out; manifest your new life; let it reflect; give expression to it.

This working is not a salvation insurance policy, but LIVING OUT who you have been made.

Ephesians 2:10(KJV)

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Workmanship there is the Greek word poiēma which means a product; thing that is made.

That's who we are—God's products configured to do good works.

Now, what does Paul imply by "fear and trembling" in our theme verse?

See some other instances such words were used.

Jeremiah 33:6-9(KJV)

6. Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.

7. And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first.

8. And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me.

9. And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.

This was obviously not used in a negative context.

Ephesians 6:5(KJV)

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ.

2 Corinthians 7:13-15(KJV)

13. Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

14. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

15. 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.

So what does fear and trembling mean? REVERENCE.

It has everything to do with honour and respect, and nothing to do with trepidation or being afraid.

Philippians 2:12-13(KJV)

12. 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.

13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

So, it is not a "working for" of salvation or a salvation sustenance scheme. It is giving expression to the life of Christ in you.

This is total reverence.

Victor Ibosiola © 2017