For a very long time, I lived in fear of missing heaven if I goofed and could not ask for forgiveness before I died. In fact, I’d been in meetings where “visions” were seen in which only one person made it to heaven when Jesus appeared at that very moment we were praying [including the minister himself🤦🏽♀️].
One of the verses that was drummed into my ear was Philippians 2:12, which was often truncated to read ‘work out your salvation with fear and trembling.’ Here’s what the full verse says:
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. [KJV]
This scripture has been taken entirely out of context and misapplied to reverse the work of Christ in the life of a believer. Let me show you another translation that clarifies it:
Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. [NLT]
Paul was writing this letter from prison. He was writing to people he himself had called ‘God’s holy people’ in his greeting to them at the beginning of this same letter [1:1]. He had just told them that he was certain that God would finish the work He had started in them [1:6]. At the beginning of the chapter in which Paul is admonishing the people of Philippi to work out their salvation, he talks about encouragement for those in Christ Jesus. This is precisely what Paul is doing in this twelfth verse. He is encouraging believers who are already sanctified by the free gift of God by grace through faith [Ephesians 2:8]. Paul’s future is uncertain; whether he will be released or he’ll die in prison, he is unsure. So his advise is for the saints at Philippi to work the gift of justification which is on the inside outward, now that he could not be with them and was not sure if he would get the chance to guide them as to how to. It had nothing to do with their justification! He is talking about the transforming work that salvation and a renewal of mind [read on it here] do in making a believer more Christlike in his character outwardly. And that is precisely why he continues on in verse 13, assuring them that even that good work comes from a desire that God Himself places in them. And the added ability to also do that which pleases Him! [Philippians 2:13].
Let no one deceive you. Working out your salvation has nothing to do with your justification and right standing before God. Your salvation is already complete in Christ. The Lord Jesus Himself promised in John 5:24 [NLT]:
I tell you the truth, [it gets no truer than this, fam. There is no lie in this man!] those who listen to my message and believe in the One who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death to life.
It cannot be any more emphatic than this, dear. A good friend shared the old NLT version of Hebrews 7:25 with me and it totally swept me off my feet. It read:
He is able to save COMPLETELY all who come to God through Him. Since He will live forever, He will ALWAYS be there to remind God that He has paid for their sins with His blood.
Did that not do something to you? He will always be there to remind God that He has paid for my sins with His blood. Past sins, present sins, future sins. Sheeeeesh! 🥶🥵🤯 If Jesus asked that we who never died for one another should forgive one another 77×7 times, how do you reckon that your sin, whether present or future can outdo His work on the cross? I recognize the little desire in you to want to contribute somewhat to your getting to heaven. I have it in me too. And I perfectly acknowledge that this sounds as though I’m advocating for reckless living, but this is what Titus 3:4-5 says:
When God revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we have done, but because of His mercy. Verse 8 says I want to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
You know why those of us whom God has finally graced to understand this truth won’t stop ranting about it? Because when you have fully understood that Christ’s work was not wishy-washy and no one can snatch your salvation away, you don’t live a life of condemnation nor a life of constant fighting to stand right with God. That is what Paul was telling Titus. When you have internalized how precious and how permanent His work in you is, you WANT to live to please Him alone, out of gratitude for how much trauma He has saved you from.
For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labours, just as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest… – Hebrews 4:10 – 11
ENTER INTO HIS REST!
Love,
RAD ❤
NB: This series begun with Double Jeopardy and We’re Not All Sinners. Click on them to check them out for a complete understanding if you haven’t.
Thank you so much Rad. This series really helps
Thank you for reading too Saviour! ❤
Knowing what Christ has done and how precious it is,will make me want to live to please Him. This brings clarity.
Thanks Ewuradwoa
Korkor finally commented! Ladies and Gentlemen, we have reached!💃😂
Christ’s work on the cross was not wishy-washy! God bless you Rad
And bless you more for me Sena 😊😘
Thanks very much maa this has helped a lot God bless you
God bless you tooo, Alfie! There’s more coming!
Wow……. No form of words can express my feelings right now. Thanks so much RAD
Awesome! I appreciate the feedback Nana! God bless you too dear!
Second time reading this GOOD well of spiritual knowledge! First, in the morning and now. So refreshing, Rad. God bless you!
God bless you too Proph! This is highly encouraging 😍
God bless you RAD. We’re learning. We’re being enlightened. We’re growing in the knowledge of HIM. Keep teaching us..🙏🏽
God bless you for always coming back Okyerewa! I’m encouraged 😍😘
Hahaha…. That’s all! Love you dearly 😍
Love you tooo Joel!! 😘
Rad! I’m now seeing what you did with the 77×7 forgiveness in the post. Good one!
😁 Thank you Proph!