Commentary on Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV): “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.”

Context and Overview

The Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Philippians while he was imprisoned, expressing his deep affection and gratitude to the believers in Philippi. Philippians 1:6 encapsulates Paul’s confidence in God’s faithfulness to complete the work He has begun in their lives. This verse is often cited for its assurance of God’s ongoing work in sanctifying and glorifying believers.

Theological Insights

God’s Sovereignty and Faithfulness:
1. The verse underscores God’s sovereignty in saving and sanctifying believers. It affirms that God initiates and completes the work of salvation. This aligns with the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, which teaches that those whom God has called and justified will be kept by His power and will persevere in faith until the end.
1. Theologians such as John Calvin and R.C. Sproul have emphasised that this verse provides comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that their salvation is secure in God’s hands.
Progressive Sanctification:
1. Philippians 1:6 is often interpreted to mean that God is continually at work in the believer’s life, sanctifying them and conforming them to the image of Christ. This process of sanctification is progressive and ongoing until the day of Christ Jesus.
1. John F. Hart discusses the implications of this verse for progressive sanctification, noting that it assures believers of God’s active role in their spiritual growth and maturity.
Eschatological Hope:
1. The phrase “until the day of Jesus Christ” points to the eschatological hope that believers have in the return of Christ. It signifies the culmination of God’s redemptive work when believers will be fully perfected and glorified.
1. This eschatological perspective emphasises the ultimate fulfilment of God’s promises in the new heavens and new earth.

Application to Modern Christian Living

Assurance and Confidence: Believers can live with the assurance that their salvation and sanctification are secure in God’s hands. This confidence should lead to a life of gratitude, obedience, and trust in God’s promises.
Perseverance in Faith: Knowing that God is at work in their lives, believers are encouraged to persevere in their faith, even in the face of trials and challenges. This perseverance is not based on their own strength but on God’s faithfulness.
Hope and Expectation: The eschatological hope of Christ’s return should motivate believers to live holy and godly lives, anticipating the day when they will be fully perfected in Christ.

Bibliography

Bible Gateway. “Philippians 1:6 – New King James Version.” Accessed October 26, 2024. [Bible Gateway]([object Object]).
Grace Evangelical Society. “Does Philippians 1:6 Guarantee Progressive Sanctification? Part 1.” Accessed October 26, 2024. [Grace Evangelical Society]([object Object]).
Ligonier Ministries. “What Is Reformed Theology?” Accessed October 26, 2024. [Ligonier Ministries]([object Object]).
Bible Hub. “Philippians 1:6 Commentaries.” Accessed October 26, 2024. [Bible Hub]([object Object]).
StudyLight.org. “Philippians 1:6 – Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary.” Accessed October 26, 2024. [StudyLight.org]([object Object]).

This commentary provides an understanding of Philippians 1:6, highlighting its theological significance and practical application for modern Christian living.

Source(s)

1. What Is Reformed Theology? – Ligonier Ministries

2. Does Philippians 1:6 Guarantee Progressive Sanctification? Part 1

3. Bible Gateway passage: Philippians 1:6 – New King James Version

4. Does Philippians 1:6 Guarantee Progressive Sanctification? Part 1

5. What Is Reformed Theology? – Ligonier Ministries

6. Philippians 1:6 Commentaries: For I am confident of this very thing …

7. Philippians 1:6 – Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary – StudyLight.org

8. Top 5 Commentaries on the Book of Philippians – Ligonier Ministries

9. Philippians 1 – 6 – Bible Commentary

10. Philippians 1 – 6 – Bible Commentary

11. Catholic, Evangelical, and Reformed by R.C. Sproul from What Is …