Paul's instruction to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12) can create tension in our minds. We rightly believe that salvation is a gift of grace through faith, not by works (Eph 2:8-9). However, Paul's instruction to "work our salvation with fear and trembling" emphasizes effort and responsibility on our part, not grace through faith in Jesus. So which is it? How can the tension between faith and works be understood?
The terms "fear and trembling" can evoke a sense of anxiety or dread, which seems at odds with the message of God's love and assurance found elsewhere in the New Testament. We might struggle with interpreting these terms in a way that aligns with the overall message of the gospel.
How can we understand Paul's admonition to work out our salvation with fear and trembling? Let's establish that our salvation and sanctification are entwined. According to the counsel of scripture, the Holy Spirit brings us to saving faith and works to conform us to the likeness of Jesus. In other words, true, saving faith puts us into a humble posture of needing lifelong instruction, correction, and encouragement to live like Jesus. To understand Paul's instruction to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, we need to think of it in terms of a relationship.
Pastor Paul offered several examples of relationships that illustrate the relationship between God's grace and our participation in being transformed from sinners to saints. Here is a list of those examples:
The Master Craftsman and the Apprentice
The Gardener and the Soil
The Sailor and the Wind
The Builder and the Blueprint
The Conductor and the Orchestra
Let's focus on the last metaphor on the list. Think of an orchestra playing a symphony. Each musician must practice their part and play with precision, but the Conductor brings the music together, guiding the tempo and dynamics. In the same way, we must work out our salvation with careful attention and effort while God, the divine Conductor, orchestrates our lives according to His perfect plan.
Why "with fear and trembling?" This phrase might sound intense, but it's not about "being scared" of God. As an orchestra member, think about your feelings before a big performance. You have a mix of excitement and seriousness because you know playing well is essential. "Fear and trembling" means having a deep respect and awe for God while understanding that living out your faith is a serious and crucial task.
How does all of this lead us to think more clearly about God's role and our role in working out our salvation? In Reformed theology, we believe that God is like the orchestra's Conductor. He guides and directs everything, including our salvation. Just as the Conductor helps the orchestra play beautifully together, God works in us to help us live out our faith together. Yes, togetherness is part of God's will for our lives. Our job is to follow His lead and try to practice and play our parts well in union with each other and the Conductor. The Conductor (God) has the overall vision and guides the orchestra (The Church), but each musician (You) must practice diligently and play their part. The beauty of the performance comes from both the Conductor's direction and the musicians' efforts. In your faith, God is always working in you, but you must also put in the effort.
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