Therefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not only in my presence but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)
The vast majority of Christian churches heavily emphasize salvation and not much emphasis on the working out portion that comes after salvation. Some of that is due to people not understanding salvation’s definition, meaning, and expansive benefits. While salvation is critically important we cannot ignore discipleship and that entails working out our salvation. It entails knowing, growing, maturing, and walking in all God has for us.
The Greek word used for salvation throughout the New Testament is “soteria”. That word means to rescue, to save, and to deliver. It also means health and safety. The Hebrew word used for salvation throughout the Old Testament is “yshuwah” which means salvation, deliverance, victory, aid, help, health, and prosperity.
Isaiah 52:7 is a good example – How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Salvation, as important as it is, is just the first step. If you want to experience the full benefits of that salvation, while you are still alive, then you have to realize that there is more. You have to know that, and then you have to work out your own salvation. That means you have to pursue God with all your heart. You have to hunger and thirst after Him.
