What does it mean to work out salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)?

What does it mean to work out salvation with fear and trembling? We're going to answer that question. You can also discover more on GotQuestions .org. In Philippians 2, 12 -13, Paul writes,. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his purpose. That's about my salvation. This text is often misused to instill fear into people, warning them that it means they can lose salvation.

Reverence, Not Anxiety, in Philippians 2:12

I am insulted. This isn't about money. It's about respect. What does it mean to work out.

Our salvation with fear and trembling? Paul can hardly be encouraging believers to live in a continuous condition of nervousness and anxiety. That would contradict his many other exhortations to peace of mind, courage, and confidence in the God who authors our salvation.

That's peace of mind for me. The Greek word translated fear in this context can equally mean reverence or respect. Paul uses the same phrase to refer to Titus as being encouraged by the Corinthians' reception of him.

With fear and trembling, that is, with great humility and respect for his position as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul himself came to the Corinthian church in weakness and fear and with much trembling, mindful of the great and awesome nature of the work in which he was engaged.

Working Out Salvation Through Sanctification

The sense in which we are to work out our salvation in fear and trembling is twofold. First, the Greek verb rendered work out means to continually work to bring something to completion or fruition. We do this by actively pursuing obedience in the process of sanctification.

Paul further describes himself as straining and pressing on toward the goal of Christlikeness. Second, the trembling he experiences is the attitude Christians are to have in pursuing this goal. A healthy fear of offending God through disobedience and an awe and respect for his majesty and holiness.

Trembling, it can also refer to shaking due to weakness, but this is a weakness of higher purpose, one which brings us to a state of dependency on God. Obedience and submission to the God we revere and respect is our reasonable service and brings great joy.

Reverent Worship and Dependence on the Word of God

Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Sounds good to me. We work out our salvation by going to the very source of our salvation, the word of God, wherein we renew our hearts and minds, coming into his presence with a spirit of reverence and awe.

That answers the question, what does it mean to work out salvation with fear and trembling? On our website, GotQuestions .org, you will find a deeper discussion and recommended resources. If this helped you, give us a thumbs up and click subscribe.

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