Some work we retire from. Other work, never.

Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

(Philippians 2:12 CSB)

Work it out, says Paul. While it’s the Holy Spirit who works salvation in us, we are the ones to work it out.

Not that we in any way contribute to, or somehow earn God’s redeeming favor. But our efforts are integral to realizing the fruit of having been “predestined to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for Himself according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glorious grace that He lavished on us in the Beloved One” (Eph. 1:5).

He first brings us into His kingdom, then by His enabling we bring out the kingdom in us. He makes a way of escape from the tyranny of sin; we make every effort to put to death the old man still allured by sin. By our faith, we’re gifted with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places; through our determination, we then build on what He has given us. He credits righteousness to our account; we respond in Christ by endeavoring to live out that righteousness on His account. It is finished through His work; we complete it according to His will by our work. Did I mention it’s a work we never retire from?

What’s more, working out our salvation is the visible, tangible evidence that God is actually working in us.

For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to His good purpose.

(Philippians 2:13 CSB)

I don’t think we see anything in Scripture of coasting with our salvation. If God is active in our lives, then we’ll be active. While we may grow weary, while we might wish for it to get easier sometimes, we’ll always be working out what God has worked in. When we cease, it’s a warning sign that we may have suppressed the Spirit. If we are not pressing on, we are likely falling back. If we are not growing, we’re probably atrophying.

This work is the way of Christ. The way that reminds us of our 24/7 dependence on Him. The way that reminds us of our ever-present need for His all-sufficient grace. It is what makes His invitation to put on His yoke, learn from Him, and find rest for our souls so inviting. It is the holy determination that makes real the dynamic of the Holy Spirit working in us.

Work it out, says Paul. No retirement . . . at least this side of heaven.

Only by His grace. Only for His glory.