A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day – July 19, 2019
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 put a heavy emphasis on salvation and not much emphasis on the working out portion that comes after salvation. Some of that is due to people not understanding the definition, meaning, and expansive benefits of salvation. 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.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
Happy are those who are hungry and thirsty for goodness, for they will be fully satisfied! (Phillips Translation Bible)
Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied. (Matthew 5:6, Amplified Bible)
Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied! (Matthew 5:6, AMPC)
Have you noticed how much the “goodness of God” keeps coming into the salvation picture?
God is good all the time! All the time, God is good!
