Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, 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; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling:
Does it mean that salvation is based on faith plus good work? Look at James 2:14-17,
Or it means we should fear and tremble whenever we fail to obey God because He will send us to hell? NO, salvation is by faith alone, by grace alone, through Jesus Christ alone!
Salvation in the Bible 3 phases or tenses
Past, Present & Future or elements or stages.
1. Justification (Past) - God's working alone - Monergism
2. Sanctification (Present) - Man & God working together - Synergism
3. Glorification (Future) - Monergism
After conversion, we go through the stage of Sanctification - commonly refers to set the person or thing to it's proper functioning e.g. Eyeglasses are sanctified when used to improve eye sight. Therefore a human being is sanctified when he/she lives according to God's design and purpose.
In Greek translation of the word Sanctification (hagiasmos) which means holiness, To be sanctified means to be holy.
Working out our own salvation simply means to be cheerful, diligent, humble and in constant obedience to Christ. Imitating Jesus Christ obedience to the father.
With fear and trembling:
Having a reverential fear to our Lord and Savior, both King, Savior and righteous Judge. Not the common fear to make us in flight, but all the more to draw us near to Him.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise. Psalms 111:10
If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15
He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it. Luke 11:28
Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Phil. 2:8
