Tuesday, October 10, 2006

MAINTAINING SALVATION

MAINTAINING SALVATION
Amplified rendering of Phil 2:12 has a notation at "work out" which defines it as "Cultivate". Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, *work out* (cultivate) your own salvation with fear and trembling.
This does not, in any way, imply that we can, by our own efforts, add to or complement what Jesus Christ purchased for us at Calvary. Salvation must, forever, remain a free gift.
When we cultivate, we watch over, maintain, keep in good repair, what has been entrusted to us.
We are told to *not neglect* (treat lightly, as of little value) so great Salvation. Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him];
We are told to *maintain* (keep in order) certain aspects of the Christian life. Titus 3:8 [This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. *These things are good and profitable unto men*
We are admonished to *have Grace* (maintain a relationship of Grace with Jesus) *whereby* (denoting the channel of an act) we-- Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Working through the channel of Grace is the only way to *acceptibly* serve the Lord.
The wisdom of man fizzles. The most elaborate programs of human ingenuity fail miserably. Only what we can do through the Grace of God is effective.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.
"For we are labourers together with God: Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." 1Cor 3:9

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