Work Out Your 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.” Philippians 2:12
Many misunderstand this verse as a call to work for salvation, but the larger context of Philippians makes it clear—Paul is exhorting believers to live in obedience, demonstrating the reality of their salvation.
Understanding the Context
Paul is writing to the church at Philippi, encouraging them to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. Just before this verse, he speaks of Christ’s humility and obedience, even unto death (Philippians 2:5-11). The “wherefore” at the beginning of verse 12 connects our obedience to Christ’s obedience for us. Because Christ humbled Himself and was exalted, we too are to walk in humble, reverent obedience.
Importantly, verse 13 provides balance:
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
Believers are called to work out their salvation, not work for it. Salvation is entirely of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), and this grace produces in us good works. Holiness is not to earn favor with God, but it displays the work He is already doing in us.
The phrase “fear and trembling” does not imply a servile terror before God, but a deep reverence and awe. It reflects the seriousness of living as God’s people. Just as one would handle a priceless treasure with great care, we are to approach our Christian walk with humility, and dependence.
Paul is urging the Philippians to be mindful of their witness and responsibility as followers of Christ. He encourages them by acknowledging that they have walked in obedience both in his presence and in his absence. Now, he exhorts them to continue working out what God is working within them.
Working Out Our Salvation
Working out our salvation does not mean figuring it out like a math problem or making it stronger through some type of regimented effort. Rather, it means displaying outwardly what God has worked inwardly. Paul is not calling believers to achieve salvation but to live in a way that visibly expresses the hope and grace that has been received. Simply put, we are to show to others, through love and submission, the salvation that God has put in us.
This salvation is entirely a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) and is truly their own, given to them in Christ. Paul’s exhortation is not about earning or proving salvation but about making it evident in daily life. Growing in Christlikeness through the means of grace displays this salvation to the world. Yet, we do this not in our own strength but by God’s enabling power. Philippians 2:13 reminds us that God is actively at work within us, shaping our desires and empowering our obedience.
Philippians 2:12 is not a call to work for salvation but to work out its implications in our lives.