During one of our recent walks at the park, Connie and I noticed more and more people using pedal-assist bicycles. "On Your Left!", they shout as they zoom past us. The rider pedals, but the energy that produces motion comes from a motor mounted on the bike. At first, we laughed and accused them of just pretending they were riding the bike. 

Recently, while meditating on Paul's words to the Philippians to "work out their salvation," the Holy Spirit reminded me of those cyclists. We have a part to play (pedaling), but the real energy and power that produces motion does not come from us. 

We do not earn our salvation. Our own efforts do not save us: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast" Ephesians 2:8-9.

To "work out" does not mean to "work at" being saved. Salvation is God's work from the beginning to end. We simply cooperate with God, who is at work bringing the reality of our salvation into our daily experience. Our Salvation is past, present, and future (Titus 3:4-7; Romans 5:9-10). 
  

Peace and Grace in Christ Jesus, 
Pastor Joe Voss