Php 2:12 ¶ 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.
At first glance it could appear and to many perhaps it does appear confusing.
I went to the altar and asked Jesus into my hear and asked for forgiveness of my sins. Am I not saved? Yes. By the grace of God and the exercise of your faith, you are saved. Then what does it mean to work out my own salvation?
Salvation is more than an incident that happened at some time. Salvation is really a package deal. When you got saved and Jesus came into your heart, you were translated into the Kingdom of God. You were blessed with many privileges as a gift to you. However, just because you were blessed does not mean they just fell into your lap. As an example, part of the great plan of salvation is the healing power of God that was made available to you as a believer. 3 John 2 tells us that, “ Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Does that mean that everybody is in health? Absolutely not. Even though it is the will of God, some don’t believe the Word of God. Some don’t know it is the will of God. Some don’t pursue it with their faith. Even past that, there is a devil out there and a host of demonic spirits that will fight you every step of the way to make sure you don’t walk in health. If you overcame sickness; that would give glory to God. If you overcame sickness you would be more physically fit to do the will of God. Sometimes you just have to fight the good fight of faith as Paul encouraged Timothy (I Tim 6:12). There may be other reasons why one does not get healed. Disobedience, rebellion, unbelief, unforgiveness, sin and ignorance are some examples.
When Paul told us to work out our salvation he is instructing us to pursue the will and promises of God. If you are a child of God, you are in a covenant relationship with God and His Word will not fail. You might fail, I might fail, but God’s Word will not fail. The devil will resist you, fight on.
Demonic forces and spiritual wickedness in high places will come against you. Fight on. Search the Scriptures and build your faith. James said that if you submit yourself to God and resist the devil he will flee from you. You may say “I tried that and it don’t work for me”. No, fight on. A good fight is the one you win. Believe the Word. Trust God. Call those things that be not as though they were. Fight on. The Scofield Bible gives an excellent example of the benefits of our salvation in a footnote on Romans 1:16.
Some of the benefits include deliverance, safety, healing, and soundness.
Don’t let the devil rob you. Fight on.
Maranatha!
