Philippians 1:8-11

Philippians 1:8-11 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  I've spent a lot of time studying for tests.  I've pulled a few all-nighters, and certainly seen 3 and 4 a.m. plenty of times, all in hopes of cramming enough knowledge in that I will be able to pass the test.  In business school, I'd stay up late studying a business' website so that I would be prepared for an interview, often learning all sorts of things that I never had the chance to demonstrate in the interview.  Sometimes the studying pays off, sometimes not.
  When Paul wishes for the Philippians to be pure and blameless on the day of salvation, he isn't hoping they learn enough or yearn enough or somehow find a way to be good enough.  He's hoping that they fill themselves with the love of Christ and receive what is freely given, that they might be covered in the grace and love of God, the mercy that washes us clean.  We'll never earn a spot in heaven, no matter how hard we try, but we can receive what God freely gives us, and be filled with righteousness that only comes from God.  You are saved by grace, through faith, and only by the power of God will you be forever transformed.