		Jesus, Himself Part III
		Jesus, Himself Part II
		Jesus, Himself Part I
		Where Do You Fit?
		Pentecost Power Released
		Which Cross? Part IV
		Which Cross? Part III
		Which Cross? Pt II
		Which Cross? Pt I
		Merry Christians
		View All Bible Studies

Which Cross? Part IV

Written by: Reinhard Bonnke
05 April 2010

An Identity Unlike any Other Part 6

In the Old Testament, the word “salvation” is always related to physical deliverance. God is the saviour – so that we can live a full life. Christ’s salvation means God’s protection, guidance, blessing and help. God has not changed, but has added to His gifts the greater gift of eternal life and redemption through the Blood of Christ. That is God’s plan for our lives on earth.

As I thought about this, I looked at that wonderful passage in Philippians 2. It is certainly a strikingly marvellous exposition of Christ as God in the flesh, who lowers Himself to servant hood and death. Paul the apostle was showing his readers how Christ obeyed God and was given an identity unlike any other, a “name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). The purpose of His words is not just to educate but also to give us someone to emulate: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). He gives us Jesus as our example, not only as our Saviour.

Paul then says, “Therefore (because of the example of Jesus) work out your salvation”. We cannot possibly understand that to mean our eternal salvation for that is something we cannot “work out.” That is God’s business. No one is saved eternally by taking Jesus as an example, but only by taking Him as Saviour. The key is that “work out” has a different meaning, referring to what follows salvation – the “outworking” of that experience. The “salvation” that we can “work out” is selflessness and obedience like that of Jesus, the formula of true quality life. Paul makes the difference clear by adding “for it is God who works in you (for you) to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

Page 1 of 2
< Previous >	< Next >

Additional Pages

An Identity Unlike any Other Part 6
Living a “Free Range” Life Part 7