The verse Philippians 2:12 says “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This verse has led to much discussion over what it means to “work out your salvation” and do it “with fear and trembling.” Here is an analysis of this significant verse:
Context of Philippians 2:12
To properly understand any verse, it is important to understand the context. Philippians 2:12 comes in the midst of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. In this letter, Paul is thanking the Philippians for their partnership with him in spreading the gospel (1:3-5). However, he is also exhorting them to greater unity and humility, using Christ as the supreme example of selfless sacrifice (2:1-11).
Paul encourages the Philippians to “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (2:3). He then points to Christ as the perfect model of humility:
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (2:5-8)
Right after this comes verse 12, where Paul applies the example of Christ to the lives of the Philippians, exhorting them to obediently work out their salvation in humility and surrender.
Meaning of “Work Out Your Salvation”
The command to “work out your own salvation” has been interpreted in different ways. Here are some of the key aspects involved:
1. Salvation is from God, not self-earned
An important framework for understanding this verse is recognizing that salvation is completely God’s work, not something we can earn or achieve ourselves. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes this clear: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Salvation is entirely dependent on God’s grace through faith.
However, even though God fully accomplished our salvation, there is still an active role for us to play in appropriating and living out that salvation, as Philippians 2:12-13 indicates.
2. Work out what God has worked in
The Greek word translated “work out” in Philippians 2:12 is katergazomai, which has the idea of accomplishing something, bringing something to fruition. The call to “work out your salvation” does not mean to work for your salvation, but rather to allow the salvation God has gifted to you to become fully manifested in your life.
Paul makes it clear that we do not work out our salvation alone, for it is God himself who is at work within us, both to will and to work for his good pleasure (2:13). So we are called to work out the salvation God Himself is working within us. As one commentator puts it, we work out our salvation because God works it in.
3. With diligence and intentionality
While salvation is fully God’s work, He calls us to actively participate in manifesting that salvation with intentionality and zeal. The call to “work out your salvation” means we should make every effort to apply our new life in Christ into every area of life.
2 Peter 1:10 urges believers to “be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election.” Likewise, Paul’s call is for intentional effort in applying our new salvation to how we live.
4. Until completion
The verb “work out” also carries the meaning of fully completing something, or bringing it to ultimate perfection. Though we will always struggle with sin before Christ returns, God wants us to continually grow in working out our salvation into every aspect of our lives. As Paul urged the Corinthians, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Our salvation must permeate every area of life.
5. Corporate in addition to individual
While “work out your own salvation” certainly applies to each individual believer, the plural “you” and the context of the letter indicate Paul was urging the wider church community to work out their salvation together. How can we as a local body diligently apply our new life in Christ into our corporate relationships and ministry? Salvation applies not just individually but communally.
Meaning of “Fear and Trembling”
Paul’s call to work out our salvation “with fear and trembling” emphasizes the seriousness and gravity with which we should heed God’s call. But what exactly does this mean?
1. Reverential awe of God
The Greek word for “fear” is phobos, which can mean terror but often means reverential awe. It is the fear of God that believers are called to have as they recognize His glorious majesty and holiness compared to our absolute dependence and unworthiness apart from Christ. A foundational aspect of working out our salvation is maintaining a proper awe and reverence for who God is.
2. Sober awareness of responsibility
“Fear and trembling” points to the sobering awareness that we have an active responsibility before God to appropriate the salvation we have been given. Paul urged the Corinthians: “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). Knowing the eternal implications of the gospel should produce in us a weighty sense of responsibility.
3. With humility and surrender
Proper “fear and trembling” recognizes that apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5). It is the opposite of self-reliance or passivity. We work diligently because we know God is working in us, and we wholly rely on Him, not ourselves. It means working out our salvation on our knees, with humble surrender and dependency on God.
4. Without compromise or complacency
“Fear and trembling” carries the idea of purposeful intentionality and effort, refusing complacency or compromise as we diligently apply our new life in Christ in every area. It recognizes the high cost of our salvation and lives accordingly. As Paul says earlier in Philippians:
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (1:29).
Implications and Application
Philippians 2:12-13 provides a vital framework for how believers should think about salvation and diligently apply it to their lives. Here are some key implications and applications:
1. Salvation is a gift we actively respond to
We remember that our salvation is fully accomplished by God’s grace, not our own effort. At the same time, we actively and intentionally work out its implications in all areas of life. We do not earn salvation but respond to the free gift.
2. With mutual humility and accountability
We work out our salvation with fear, trembling and diligence alongside each other in the body of Christ. Just as Paul exhorted the Philippians corporately, we intentionally spur each other on to greater Christlikeness and obedience.
3. In everyday holiness and obedience
Our new salvation should make a noticeable difference in how we live each day. As Paul says in Philippians 2:14-15, we work out our salvation by doing all things “without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation.”
4. Relying on the Spirit’s enablement
We work diligently in applying our salvation, while resting in the enablement of the Holy Spirit who works righteousness within us. Paradoxically, we work vigorously as if everything depended on us, while fully dependent on the Spirit.
5. Until we see Christ face to face
Our salvation will only be complete when we see Christ face to face and become like Him. Until then, we “work out” and apply the salvation Christ continually works within us, looking forward to full redemption.
In summary, Philippians 2:12-13 is a powerful call for diligent, urgent obedience in response to God’s gracious salvation. As believers, we can joyfully work out what God Himself is working within us for His glory.