It’s Only the Beginning: Working Out Your Salvation with Purpose
| It’s only the Beginning… During a recent conversation, my mind was triggered to share a deeper look into our salvation through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. As believers and followers of our Lord, we are thankful to be among the saints and that our eternal destination is secure. The gift of the Holy Spirit is ours immediately upon our confession in Jesus and that the presence of the Holy Spirit within us becomes a seal, a guarantee, indicating to whom we belong and its everlasting nature. (Eph 1:13-14) What a joy and comfort to realize that we have this spiritual stamp right across our foreheads, that reads in bold type, “PROPERTY OF THE KING!” We will endure pain and face challenges in our lives for that is the nature of living in a fallen world. But all our troubles are but a single moment in a life destined for eternity. That bright promise of Paradise ahead helps us to keep our eyes on Him. It becomes natural then for us to keep our focus on the end result, for that is where joy is. But when we consider the deeper calling in our lives, as I did during that conversation, another aspect of our salvation begins to blossom. We will come to the realization that while God the Father indeed planned all along to draw us to Himself, it is only the beginning of what can be a life full of joy. Let me share from chapter 2 of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippian Church. Verses 12-13 reads, —continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. The portion that reads “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” can cause some confusion amongst those who come across it for the first time or may be new to the faith. Paul is not urging us to continue to work either for our salvation or to keep it. God, in His sovereignty, fully understands our condition as part of the human race. Salvation, as he provides through Jesus, is all that the believer needs for eternal life. God also knows what we need for our lives now. He knows that in order for us to live joyful and productive lives today, we need to learn to be willing participants in His continuing work in our hearts. This is known as sanctification, a fancy word describing the process initiated and guided by the Holy Spirit. When we are sanctified, we are set apart for God’s purpose. We are called to cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit within our hearts and minds. Romans 12:1-2 tells us, Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Paul is speaking to us as saints, reminding us to love and worship God by surrendering everyday. This is the beginning of the transformation process. Evidence of renewed lives living for the glory of God can look like this. Be aware of our need for God’s grace and submit to His will. Realize that you cannot do it on your own. It is the work of the Spirit, just be open to it. Learn to adopt the traits that Jesus displayed for us. Become a servant for God without complaint, recognizing that the good we do here is for His glory, not ours. This includes renewing our minds and hearts by reading the Word of God. Regularly practice praying to Him and following His guidance. Seek fellowship with other believers, striving to build a healthy community. I pray that as we continue this journey together, we can encourage each other to finish the race set before us through spiritual growth and development. Again, all for the glory of God. In your service, Pastor E |
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