Are we assured a place in heaven when we die? Some people think that just because they are baptised and go to church but do nothing else, they still automatically qualify for heaven. There are people who think no matter how good or bad they may have been, they are already assured heaven. Some think that nothing they say or do will have any effect on getting to heaven, since it is through the grace of God that we would be with Him. But is this really the case for Chrstians?
St. Paul in today's reading tells us: "continue to do as I tell you, as you always have; not only as you did when I was there with you, but even more now that I am no longer there; and work for your salvation 'in fear and trembling.' It is God, for his own loving purpose, who puts both the will and the action into you. Do all that has to be done without complaining or arguing and then you will be innocent and genuine, perfect children of God among a deceitful and underhand brood, and you will shine in the world like bright stars because you are offering it the word of life."
When we are working for our salvation 'in fear and trembling,' we are actually showing that our faith in God is genuine and real. Our works are not decisive in our salvation. They are evidence of God’s saving work in us. James in his epistle reinforces this need to show our faith as we are reminded: "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:14-17). So, let us not be idle or indifferent in our faith. If we say we have faith, then we should show our faith through our actions, so that all may see and give glory to God.
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