Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

depends on how you translate the Future tense of the Greek verb. Option “a” would be a
reference to glorification salvation, while option “b” would be a reference to sanctification
salvation. I believe the parallels point to option “a” because it refers to God the Father as the
“One and only One” who accomplishes both works. Justification is entirely by God and
glorification is entirely by God; sanctification is a work in which believers cooperate with
God. I see no mention of our cooperating with God in this passage, so I choose ultimate
sanctification or glorification as the end reference.
In other words, this verse is referring to Phase I and Phase III of the Christian life. Phase I is
justification salvation, which occurred at a point in time when our status changed from
unbeliever to believer. Phase II is our spiritual walk on earth, often referred to as
sanctification. Phase III is eternity, which we enter spiritually when we are glorified and
receive our resurrection bodies. Phases I and III depend entirely on the sovereignty and
omnipotence of God. Phase II is a partnership between God and each believer. Since this
passage is an acknowledgement of God’s faithfulness in completing a work that He Himself
started, Phase II is not in mind and option “b” is not included in the scope of Paul’s thoughts
at this time. There is no mention of a believer’s volition in this text.
REVELANT OPINIONS
The thought here stresses not only the sovereign initiative of God in salvation, but also the sovereign
faithfulness of God in Christ. (R. P. Martin) The first two grounds (verses 3 & 5) stress the
achievements of the Philippians; the 3 rd emphasizes the activity of God. There is, however, no final
distinction since the first two are the outworking of God’s activity in their lives. (P. O’Brien)
Philippians 1:6 is perhaps one of the three greatest verses in the Bible that teach the doctrine of the
perseverance of the saints, the doctrine that no one whom God has brought to a saving knowledge of
Jesus Christ will ever be lost. There are many people who do not like this teaching because they like
to think human beings are responsible for their own salvation … People do not seek God; they reject
Him. If we are saved, it is only because God comes to us first in grace. You do not seek the One who
can help you. Still God comes to you, opens your eyes, gives you the faith to believe, and draws you
to Himself. (J. Boice) The Philippians needed to hear that their growth in sanctification, already
evident through their participation in the gospel, was really God’s work. (M. Silva)
The time of completion is “the day of Christ Jesus.” This phrase points to the imminent rapture of
the church before the seven-year period of tribulation, the seventieth week of Daniel’s prophecy. It
looks at the coming of Christ to take believers unto Himself. At that day it will involve the
resurrection of the Christian dead and the translation of the living saved. According to God’s
sovereign purpose, believers are already glorified in his sight. People observe what is presently
happening, but God looks at His people as what they will be when He has finished His work in
them. It is a biblical axiom that God calls into being that which does not exist. (R. Gromacki) An
advocate of free will is an enemy of God’s grace. He believes God can do nothing for him until he
gives God permission. Thus, he appoints God as the second rather than the first cause. This would
indicate that there are as many gods as there are free wills, thus classifying those who believe in free