How odd, That the Apostle of grace, The church planter who fumed, At the prospect of the tiniest Dab of legalism Intruding the purity of the Good News, Would say: “Work out your own salvation.” (Phil. 2:12)

Be assured, Paul has not contradicted His epistles of pure grace. This Greek word “work” evokes The idea of a farmer working a field. Perhaps a peasant to whom the king has given A fertile plot and, In profound gratitude, And daily joy, Works the field, Hoeing, weeding, watering Because it is a blessing to work The gift to its fullest.

I bless you to work out your salvation, The way a farmer works out the riches of his field, Or the way a gold miner digs up treasures.

I bless you to work out all The deepest benefits of the salvation That Christ worked out for you!