Other than verses 13 and 19 in Philippians 4, perhaps one of the most often quoted passage from this epistle is: “Being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) What a precious promise from God! What a powerful statement of reality! He Who has begun a good work in you, WILL complete it! He cannot fail to do so.
That incredible promise of our security in Christ Jesus is put this way in what has come to be known as the “golden chain of redemption”. “For whom He did foreknew, He also predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestinated, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” (Romans 8:29,30) The heart can barely grasp the wonder and depth of these amazing redemption passages.
If you have repented of your sins and trusted in Christ alone for your salvation, but feel like you’re floundering a bit this morning, be encouraged. Jesus said that He gives to His sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish, and nobody can snatch us out of His hand. (John 10:28). That is security, my friend!
Because of their faith in Jesus Christ, Paul identifies the recipients of this epistle as “saints” (Philippians 1:1), for whom he was thankful (Philippians 1:3). Because this earth is not heaven, Paul prays for God to bless them with a deeper love, knowledge and discernment as they walk with Jesus. You see, not only do we need the grace of God to save us, but we likewise need His matchless grace to enable us to be good witnesses for Him in this fallen world, bearing good fruit for the glory of God (Philippians 1:9-11). Having begun in The Spirit, we are not made perfect by our own doings and efforts. Salvation is of The Lord, from start to finish (Hebrews 12:2).
