It is not a popular idea in some religious circles, but as one reads through the Bible he will not be able to escape the truth that work is inextricably tied to our salvation. Philippians 2:12-13 is just one of those plain passages: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
What is the difference in this passage between “as you have always obeyed” and “work out your own salvation”? Circle those two statements and draw a line between them—they mean exactly the same thing. One cannot be saved without obeying (Heb. 5:9); one cannot be saved without works (James 2:14-26). Man is not wholly passive in his salvation; he has a responsibility given by God to act in order to be saved (Acts 2:40) and to remain saved (Phil. 2:12-13). Verse 13 in the NASB reads, “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” We are created to work (Eph. 2:10), and He Himself is working in us to work.