Can one be “more saved” one day, and “less saved” on another? Do our “good works” enhance and secure our salvation? The verses below are often twisted to promote this absurd idea.

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect (Gk. teleious, complete): but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. ¹³ Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, ¹⁴ I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Let us therefore, as many as be perfect (Gk. teleious, complete, matured), be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” (Philippians 3:12-15)

The simple explanation of this above is that this has absolutely nothing to do with us working for our salvation. Here the Apostle Paul is talking about spiritual maturity/spiritual growth, notice “perfect” in verses12 and 15. That completing comes by us gaining a better understanding of God’s Word of life, then putting forth effort to seek more sound doctrine, and desire to allow the truth of sound doctrine to mature us “in the inner man” (Eph 3:16). Paul admits in verse 13 that he had not yet reached the level of spiritual maturity and that he needs to, and that he is putting forth the effort in allowing God’s Word to work effectually in him, as he believes and trusts in the truth.

So… “Must we Work to be Saved,” as some believe the verse below to be saying?

Here’s another one that false teachers twist, but notice what the verse actually says in the KJV Bible:

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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. ¹³ For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13)

These verses do not say “work FOR your own salvation,” the verse says “work OUT your own salvation.” They are talking about the outworking of our salvation as seen by our lifestyle as believers. If we claim to be saved, then we should ultimately live like it. Then Paul continues saying, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” This means God is working in us and we should be yielding ourselves to the Lord’s will and work within us. Then you are cooperating with His work “in you.” Then your life will reflect God’s consistent ongoing work within you (cf. Gal. 5:1-26).

You should note verse 13 as it follows Philippians 2:12. It tells us exactly who is working in our lives – it’s not us. Christ working in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. God our Father uses every situation of life to work in us, to “conform us to image of His Son” (Rom 8:28-29).

Our one work is to trust His hand at work in our lives.  “… This is the work (intended) of God, that ye believe on (trust in, rely upon) him (Jesus Christ) whom he (the Father) hath sent.” (John 6:29).

Jesus said “he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Mat. 10:22, 24:13, Mk 13:13). Don’t let anyone use Jesus’ words to say we must work faithfully to the end to be saved. But, don’t let the misuse of these verses make you doubt your salvation. This was spoken to Israel in the context of the end-time 7-yr. Tribulation. These verses refer to Israel’s program, having no relation to us today during “the dispensation of the Grace of God” (Eph 3:2). The “church, which is His body” will be Raptured first, and thus absent from earth during the Tribulation! Actually, the “salvation” mentioned here is the physical survival of the believers of Israel; Jesus said, “except those (tribulation) days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved (alive): but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened” (Mat. 24:22).

Salvation is always by faith in what God has said. BUT in “time past” there was no permanent, abiding, indwelling Holy Spirit, the Spirit sometimes came to and went from the O.T. believers. King David in Psalm 51:11 prayed; “… take not thy holy spirit from me.” So, Philippians 2:12 is yet another verse that many preachers twist today to promote the loss of our security in Christ.