What Does It Mean To Work Out Your Own Salvation?

This question came in from one of the new Christians in our church, who was reading Philippians chapter two and asked this question: "What does it mean to work out your own salvation?" Ok. Let's address this. If you want to get your bible, we'll be starting in Philippians chapter 2.

The first thing that comes into some people's minds when they see this is, "I thought salvation wasn't by works, it's by faith?" It's a valid question. We know from elsewhere in Scripture that Paul himself, who wrote this phrase in Philippians 2:12, also wrote the lengthy teachings in Romans and Galatians on salvation by faith alone apart from works. Paul is not contradicting himself here. Working out your salvation isn't just stated here in Philippians 2. The verse in question, though, contains our question, so let's read the verse: "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," Let's look at what's going on here.