“So then, my beloved, just as you 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/NLT
The New Testament provides countless passages that tell us how to achieve salvation through Jesus Christ. There is security in knowing where they’ll spend eternity for those who have attained salvation and have become followers. Some folks go into autopilot mode and do not show evidence of their salvation. However, the Bible guides the contrary, indicating we should get to work– “work out our salvation.”
(NLT) provides the following information: “…Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) also tells us: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT) advises us that: “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” As we review these passages, we see that God has given each of us gifts and abilities, and He created us to do good things while serving each other, which He planned for us to do.
As someone becomes saved, Paul encourages them to demonstrate proof of their salvation in some manner. He also indicates followers of Jesus were created anew so that good works can be completed. Peter recommends using the spiritual gifts God has provided to complete the work that has been planned for us to do. Some people who have accepted Jesus as their savior and Lord have yet to demonstrate that salvation through their actions. James writes: “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26/NIV). It makes me wonder if the person truly knows Jesus or is stuck in neutral and has yet to determine their gifts and what God wants them to do.
As this devotional has explored what the Bible teaches us, we should demonstrate works after salvation through Jesus Christ has been achieved. We need to understand that “works or deeds” will not save us: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9/NIV). Salvation is achievable through God’s grace which may occur through faith and not works. Having acknowledged this, I will offer one more scriptural passage that should help to encourage “getting to work:” “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:13/NLT). We should definitely seek to please God by doing the work He has placed before us!
Many blessings to you!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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