SALVATION, REVERENCE AND SELF-DISTRUST – Part 1
Jesus has met the greatest need we all were born with – the need for salvation. Salvation is far more than just going to heaven when you physically die. Salvation is about being truly made whole and complete. It is about being joined with the only source of life, our creator. There is no salvation, no wholeness apart from Jesus. Our greatest need was a spiritual need – that is why material things can never fill the void. Through simple faith in Jesus and the redemptive work of the cross we are born again. Not a natural rebirth, but born anew in spirit. The scriptures call us a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). We have received salvation!
Now salvation is not defined simply through doctrines or creeds. Salvation is defined relationally – in Jesus! When we define it in terms of something we must do we reduce it to impotent religion. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life, and have it overflowing.” (John 10:10). There is a big difference in trying to live based on what we do and living based on what Jesus did and who he is. The bible calls one works and the other grace.
Jesus gave us His very life … and that to overflowing. Through His grace we have been made whole spiritually, we are complete in Him. We have been given all things that pertain to life and godliness (1 Peter 1:3). Yet it is possible for us to not experience the reality of Jesus in us in all the ways He desires. We could say it this way, that what is true on the inside needs to be experienced and demonstrated on the outside. I believe the Holy Spirit wants to turn us inside-out. Jesus came not just to change our destination, but to change our life – now!
Philippians 2:12 says to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Norlie’s translation says, “so now demonstrate your salvation …” Helen Montgomery’s translation says, ” … with reverence and self-distrust work out your salvation.” The next verse says it is God at work in you both to will (desire) and to work (do) for his good pleasure. It is only by the Holy Spirit that the reality of Jesus’ life within becomes the demonstration of His life overflowing.
We will continue to look next month at how our salvation (who is Jesus) is demonstrated with reverence and self-distrust. Our perspective and attitude towards the Lord and towards ourselves is crucial.
Love in Christ,
Pastor David Hughes