What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Read Philippians 2:12–13. What does Paul mean when he says, “Work out your salvation”? How would you describe the relationship between faith and works?"
Answer
“Work out your salvation” does not mean that we can earn redemption through our own effort, but that we must actively cooperate with divine power. While God brings about the willing and the accomplishing, the person must voluntarily submit his will and use the provided help. The relationship between faith and works is to be understood such that we are saved solely by faith, yet this faith necessarily manifests itself through obedience and good works as the fruit of grace.
Cooperation of Man and God
While our salvation wholly depends on Jesus, we have work to do so that we can be saved. ... The work we are to do is not independent of what God does, but a work of cooperation with God. ... The human will must be subordinated to the divine will. The human will is not to be forced into cooperation with divine forces, but voluntarily submitted.
Faith proves itself through obedience
Through obedience the people should provide evidence of their faith. Thus all who hope to be saved by the merits of Christ’s blood should recognize that they themselves have something to do to secure their salvation. ... Man is to be saved by faith, not by works; nevertheless his faith must be demonstrated by his works.
The struggle against sin
This work can only be accomplished through faith in Christ, by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. ... The Christian will feel the stirrings of sin, but he will wage a constant battle against them. Here the help of Christ is needed. Human weakness is united with divine strength.
Salvation as a free gift
We do not earn salvation through our obedience; for salvation is the free gift of God, received through faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith. ... If we remain in Christ, if God’s love dwells in us, our feelings, thoughts, intentions, and actions will be in harmony with God’s will.
Divine power and human effort
God works, and man works. ... Only in this way can we become partakers of the divine nature. ... Let no one think that men and women are taken into heaven without participating in the fight here below. We have a battle to fight, a victory to win.
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