PHI 2:8, "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

Through pride and rebellion, Eve was going to become equal with God. But God sent His own son, who humbled Himself. He came into the place where we belong, took humility upon Himself, and became obedient unto death.

In pride, rebellion was born. Now in humility that obedience was restored, and through the blessed obedience of Christ, even unto the death of the cross, the highway was made, and the way was made open.

In PHI 2:5 we read, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." We must have this mind of subjection and obedience to the Lord. PHI 2:12-13 says, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

Does it say to just sit passively, and if you are elected, then God will save you, and you will be washed in the blood? No, this says to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Verse 13, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." We are not going to have salvation by walking in the course of iniquity, because Scripture says that salvation is a way of holiness, righteousness, and obedience.

"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure," PHI 2:12-13. God makes us willing to walk in the ways of righteousness. With the furnace of affliction, He works to give us a new heart, a new desire, and a change of mind. He gives us a new heart. We become a new man, and that brings gospel repentance in our heart.

2CO 10:5-6 says, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

The sum and substance of every thought of our mind must be brought into subjection to the obedience of Christ. The next verse continues, "And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."

To revenge all disobedience does not mean to revenge other people for disobedience. It means that we are to revenge our own heart and crucify every evil thought.