Work out your Salvation?

Question : You are always insisting that salvation is a free gift and no one can work for it. Bet you have not read Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV), which says, “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” This verse proves that we need to fear for our salvation and so we need to work for our salvation through a lot of good deeds.

Answer : The apostle Paul indeed says in Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV), “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” but then he also says, “for it is God who works in you ….”
It’s important to note that Paul doesn’t say, “Work for your salvation.” The Bible clearly teaches we don’t have to work for our salvation. It is a free gift of God’s grace. Ephesians 2.8-9 puts it like this, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

In a sense, Paul is talking about a spiritual workout, just like when you physically work out to develop your muscles. We’re asked to make the most of what we’ve been given. God provides the power for our spiritual growth, but we must flip the switch.