I am working out my salvation in fear and trembling. Jesus told some who think they’re saved “I never knew you”. It’s in a story Revelation by Flannery O’connor read here by Studs Terkel. http://www.openculture.com/2015/12/flannery-oconnors-short-story-revelation-read-by-studs-terkel.html
He spoke “I never knew you” to those who came to Him professing their works rather than faith.
There a difference between working it out and working for it.
We don’t work for it. Good works contribute nothing towards our attaining salvation.
However, working out our salvation is the process of overcoming sin in our lives and becoming more Christlike in our character, which is the natural fruit of our salvation.
And like most of Flannery's contemporary stories- it's right out pf the pages of the Bible....
Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
Well if your ‘working’ out your salvation then why did Jesus have to die?
So true; but what about the REST of them?
It's a story found in the bible:
1 John. 5:13"These things I write to you, that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God."
Yes, He did.
He said it to those who were trusting in their works.
Which does not invalidate the security of the believer and the assurance we can have as such.