“WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION” IN PHILIPPIANS 2:12?
May 16, 2019
READ TIME: 4-6 MINUTES
“Dave, in Philippians 2:12, what does ‘work out your salvation’ mean?”
This verse doesn’t mean we have to earn our eternal salvation since salvation is by faith alone in Jesus who died and rose again.
In the literary context, Paul encouraged the recipients in 2:1-3 to have humility and in 2:4-11 he described the ultimate standard of humility – Jesus Christ, Himself. The “therefore” in 2:12 introduces an application of Jesus’s example of humility and how He will be exalted. He encouraged the Philippians to put into practice what they saw in Jesus’s example.
Please notice that the first word of 2:12 is “for.” This means there’s a vital connection between verses 12 and 13. 2:13 is an explanation of the significance of verse 12. Since verse 13 stresses God’s activity, it seems that in v. 12 Paul encouraged the Philippians to submit to a process that God was accomplishing in them.
In 2:14, Paul commanded the recipients to do all without grumbling and disputing, and in 2:15 the reason is given: to be blameless and pure, as contrast and testimony to the world. Look at the final phrase of 2:15, “among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Paul’s focus in this context is the Philippians’ personal growth and their outreach to those around them. Salvation is in three tenses or aspects (see chart below). Which tense of salvation did Paul refer to in 2:12? Since both personal growth and being light to an unbelieving world concern practice and not position, it’s clear Paul was referring to the 2nd tense salvation (present/progressive sanctification). By the way, nothing in Paul’s letter directly addresses anything positional (1st tense salvation) except for the greeting in 1:1 and a brief reference in 3:20.
In the letter to the Philippians, Paul never doubted or threatened their position in Christ (1st tense salvation), but he did challenge them in their practice and behavior (2nd tense salvation). To expand a bit on that idea, Paul challenged them to growth, effective ministry, and to engage in a way of life that will result in experiencing the peace of God.
The following are just some of the passages in Philippians that stress the 2nd tense salvation: 1:25; 3:12-14, 17; and 4:1-8; etc. It’s interesting that in 3:20-21 Paul highlighted all three aspects of salvation. First is the positional aspect, resolved in the past with continuing benefit— our citizenship in heaven. Second is the ongoing process— we eagerly await our Savior. And third is the future event— He will transform us to glory, by His power and authority. It’s critical when interpreting Scripture to determine which aspect of salvation is being referred to. If we don’t keep them distinct, we’ll be confused about what God has done for us and what His expectation is of us.
CHART ILLUSTRATING THE THREE TENSES / ASPECTS OF SALVATION
| Past Salvation (Luke 7:50; Eph 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; 2 Tim 1:9) | Present Salvation (2 Cor 7:10; Phil 2:12-13; 1 Tim 4:16; James 1:21; 2:14; 5:20) | Future Salvation (Rom 5:9-10; 13:11; 1 Cor 3:15) |
| Saved from the Penalty of Sin (in hell) | Saved from the Power of Sin (in one’s earthly life) | Saved from the Presence of Sin (in heaven) |
| Justification | Progressive sanctification | Glorification |
| Point of time — when a person trusts Christ for eternal salvation | Process of time — as the believer walks by faith and the Holy Spirit’s power | Point of time – either at the believer’s death (2 Cor 5:10) or the Rapture (1 Thess 4:13-18) |
| By grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone apart from works (Acts 16:31) | By grace alone, by faith alone, resulting in good works (Rom 6:1-14; 8:1-4) | By grace alone, through one’s initial faith alone at justification (Stegall Chapter 7) |
Therefore, in 2:12, Paul wasn’t exhorting the Philippians to have fear and trembling regarding their position, but regarding their practice/lifestyle / progressive sanctification. Paul was not teaching here (or anywhere in the NT!) that works is a means of maintaining or holding onto positional salvation (1st tense salvation). In Philippians 3:9 Paul reminded the recipients that salvation comes from God through faith and not from our efforts. Our position as believers should result in a particular practice or lifestyle, but if it doesn’t, the position is not threatened.
The NT teaches eternal security. If a person places his faith in Jesus for eternal life, he’s secure for eternity (see John 3:15-16; 10:27-30; Romans 8:38-39; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 John 5:13; and Revelation 22:17, for just a partial list of key passages).
What are the practical takeaways of this passage? In Philippians 2:12 Paul presented universal truths and exhortations that have broad application for all believers everywhere. We have positional salvation, and we should walk in a way worthy of that salvation (see Romans 12:1; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 3:1, where Paul made a transition from “position” to “practice”). We should be greatly encouraged to remember that it is God who is working in us. We never should strive in our strength since apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). The key is to abide in Christ and walk in the Spirit.
I like what Chris Cone (in the book 21 Tough Questions about Grace) wrote about this passage. “Instead of placing believers in bondage, this passage is a great exhortation and challenge to work out the salvation we already have (positional), even as we are being saved (practical), and as we will one day finally be saved (ultimate) . . . What a tremendous source of peace and encouragement! So, are we to work out our salvation? Of course, but that doesn’t mean earn it or maintain it— He has those areas covered. He just asks us to demonstrate that we are His children for our growth, and for effective ministry to those who don’t yet know His peace (2:15).”
Sources Used
Hawley, Grant, editor. 21 Tough Questions about Grace. Bold Grace.
Stegall, Thomas L. Must Faith Endure for Salvation to Be Sure?: A Biblical Study of the Perseverance versus Preservation of the Saints. Grace Gospel Press, chapter 7.