In verse 12 of Philippians 2, Paul tells the church to ‘work out their salvation.’ I thought about those giant red letters when I read this passage, and how we tend to simplify and maybe even devalue concepts like salvation and what that has to do with following Jesus. Jesus does save our souls for eternity so what is Paul talking about? Since much of this letter is focused on unity, I wonder if salvation here is less about our individual eternal destiny and more about what it looks like to follow Jesus in a community of believers.
Paul urges the church to continue to obey. Salvation in our modern interpretation usually just means belief. But here it suggests a little more, an act of obedience. The early church would absolutely agree that ‘Jesus Saves’ but I think the giant letters they would rally around would spell out ‘Jesus is Lord.’ Lordship insists on obedience. It requires a whole-life change and it implies as a community, we must act together in a way that identifies us as followers of Jesus. The Message translation of this passage is helpful:
“What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God.”
Responsive obedience. This moves us from passive Christianity that offers ‘come and see’ to a community faithfully responding to ‘come and follow.’ When we as a community practice responsive obedience to the commands of Jesus, our neighbors see something different. They see radical generosity, extravagant hospitality, and sacrificial love.This is salvation worked out in such a way as to shine like the stars in the sky.
In light of a communal call to responsive obedience, what is love asking of you this week?
Anna Nielsen
Life on Mission Director