"Work Out" What God "Works In" You

There is probably as much controversy over this verse as any in scripture. What does it mean to “work out your own salvation?” 

We start with the understanding that there is nothing we can do on our own to earn salvation. No go “work” is good enough to earn us a ticket to paradise. Our salvation is based entirely upon the completed work of Jesus Christ. We access that salvation through faith in Him. So what’s this “work out” all about?

A saved soul is no good to anyone else. When a saved soul begins to live in a new way, consistent with the will of God, others are attracted to God within and want the same for themselves.

God created man with free will. Our best life is to align our will with that of the Creator. “. . . for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” With focused attention and great care, you have to “work out” what God “works in” you— not work to accomplish or earn “your own salvation,” but work it out so you will exhibit the evidence of a life based with determined, unshakable faith on the complete and perfect redemption of the Lord.

Do I believe that Almighty God is the Source of my will? God not only expects me to do His will, but He is in me to do it. A life consistent with the will of God is only possible for the saved person. For only such a person has the Holy Spirit within, and thus the power to be all that God created us to be.

Be blessed.

Nick