To learn and to apply the Bible one must become “a worker… rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Many today shirk that sort of diligent, thoughtful work. They settle for simplistic views that sound about right. Failing to search the Scriptures, they miss the larger, multi-dimensional, holistic view of biblical themes. This is what has happened concerning God’s grace and God’s rules, and concerning faith and works.
The Bible is all about God’s saving initiative. Yet the same Bible speaks unmistakably of human response and responsibility. God is sovereign and works everything by His own plan (Daniel 4:35; Ephesians 1:11). By that eternal design, He gave people the ability to choose (Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21; Jeremiah 21:8; Luke 10:42; John 7:17). Some see divine sovereignty as necessarily excluding human choice. There is no contradiction when we accept, by faith, both sides of Scripture’s revelation: God is completely sovereign, and, by that very sovereignty, He gives to man the power of choice. God could, if He wished, have made humans as robots without responsibility, automatons without accountability. He could have made us like planets and animals that mindlessly follow the paths set for them. But He chose to create something new and different in humans. He made us in His image (Genesis 1:26; 2 Peter 1:4). His power and will created us to make decisions, which make a real difference to the outcome. He brings humans into dynamic partnership with Himself. He makes our decisions and our actions count! As God shows in event after event, throughout the Bible, He calls us to work with Him.
We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day (John 9:4).
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9).
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).
There is a temptation to take sides with a passage like Philippians 2. Some emphasize their own work. Others focus on God’s work. Yet, biblically, both go together. They are not equal, but they are both true and essential. Why? Because the sovereign Lord has made it so. Do you believe that God works through your obedience? Do you believe that your actions make a difference? Paul helps us to find the Lord’s answer.