It Starts Small

¹² 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, 

Philippians 2:12

Alert Protestant readers of Philippians might find themselves taken aback. They will encounter Paul’s stirring exhortation in 2:12—“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Hold on a second! Isn’t this the heart of the Protestant Reformation? Martin Luther championed the idea that one could not earn or work out one’s salvation. Salvation is a gift bestowed purely by God’s grace through faith alone (sola fides). This is more than just a theological nuance. It’s a profound doctrinal chasm. It continues to fuel the divide between Protestants and Catholics even today!

A closer examination ignites a more fervent understanding! Modern English versions tend to eclipse the vibrant communal essence of Paul’s teaching in this context. The verb “work out” inherently embraces the plural “you,” and the “your” possessive pronoun echoes that plurality. Therefore, Paul passionately implores, “You all work out the salvation of yourselves—together.” He is not advocating for individuals to strive for personal salvation through their own merits. Instead, he fervently calls the Philippian believers to labor side by side (1:27). By doing so, they uplift each other’s faith and flourish life in Christ. Furthermore, the concept of “salvation” (sōtēria) encompasses so much more than mere redemption from sin. Intriguingly, Paul doesn’t even mention sin in 2:12. Salvation embodies healing and restoration from afflictions and anything that obstructs a joyful, abundant life in Christ!

Most crucially, Paul fervently declares in 2:12. It is God who is at work in you. He empowers you to both will and to labor for his glorious pleasure. Paul highlights that God in Christ serves as the source of all blessings. This includes our extraordinary capacity to work alongside God. We also collaborate with each other for good works. No one can truly thrive alone, severed from God and the vibrant community of His people. Everything God undertakes flows from and within the dynamic of shared fellowship (koinōnia). It also flows from expressive faith that we might say is alive and active. Or as Paul passionately proclaims in Galatians 5:6—“the only thing that matters is faith energized through love.” James drives the point home even more starkly. He declares, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:14‒26). Yet, this is perfectly in harmony with Paul’s powerful message.

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