And remember, this was Paul talking. He himself had no assurance of his own salvation, but had to work out his salvation in fear and trembling. What do you think that meams?
When Paul was on his second mission trip and talking to the Phillippians and he was talking about “work out your salvation” it was not a reference to “earn ones salvation” but his expression of one’s salvation in spiritual growth and development. Salvation is a gift received once and for all, it is however expressed as an ongoing process where the believer is actively involved. “Fear and trembling” is not doubt and anxiety but in reference to active reverence and spinelessness purpose of response to God’s Grace.