“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

God has so graciously given to those who will receive it the gift of salvation. The Holy Spirit indwells every born-again believer and guides us along this life’s journey. However, along with the gift comes the responsibility to live a godly life. “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.

Salvation is a gift of God’s amazing grace alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 state: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. So, what does the Apostle Paul mean by “working out” our own salvation? As born-again believers, we can work “out” the new life that is miraculously placed within us.

God has placed His precious light within all His beloved children, the indwelling of Jesus Christ our Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to make choices that are morally right in the sight of God and others. We are consistently being endowed with the holy fruit from above… “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23. These are virtues that should be seen in the characteristics, conversations and conduct of every born-again believer.

We should strive to live as representatives of our Savior, Jesus Christ; the word states that we are the salt of the earth; “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Matthew 5:13. Salt seasons food and makes it tasteful; it is also a preservative and prevents spoilage; but it is also a healing agent. We should likewise spiritually yield the fruit that is within us to be pleasing in heart, always following the truth, and providing healing to lost and hurting souls.

So, my friends, we have not been saved to simply sit and wait for Jesus to return; we have a work to do… people are struggling in life because they are not being feed the truth. We that are Christs’ send a message everyday that should positively impact the lives of others.

The question that we must ask ourselves is-what is implied by the lives that we are living as new creatures in Christ-are we working out our soul salvation by walking in the truth and living out what has so graciously been placed within? “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16.

We should do it with fear and trembling; or take it seriously. Jesus is our LORD, and we must think earnestly about the decisions that we make in this life . . . we will all stand before Him one day to give and account for the things that we do. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…what about you?

God blessings of peace, love, and mercy be with us all.