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The command to fear God is found hundreds of times in the Old Testament and the teaching is continued in the New Testament. A notable passage is: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13). But what does it mean to fear God? How does the command to fear God affect the faithful Christian?
The word “fear” has a number of meanings. The following are three that fit into the scope of this lesson: 1) A distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; is a feeling that can be from unpleasant to terrifying. 2) Reverential awe, especially toward God: the fear of God. 3) Something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension; something a person is afraid of: Cancer is a common fear. (Dictionary.com)
"Fear is a distressing negative sensation induced by a perceived threat. It is a basic survival mechanism occurring in response to a specific stimulus, such as pain or the threat of danger. In short, fear is the ability to recognize danger leading to an urge to confront it or flee from it (also known as the flight-or-fight response) but in extreme causes of fear (terror) a freeze or paralysis response is possible." Wikipedia
"Fear is a natural and, in its purpose, beneficent feeling, arising in the presence or anticipation of danger, and moving to its avoidance; it is also awakened in the presence of superiors and of striking manifestations of power, etc., taking the form of awe or reverence. Fear has been said to be the source of religion, but religion can never have originated from fear alone, since men are impelled to draw nigh with expectation to the object of worship." ISBE
The fear of God is a source of anxiety to many people. Some even are afraid to read and learn about him. But all should realize that God has promised blessings to those who fear him. Thus, one can obtain blessings from God if he properly acts on his fear (Pss 115:13, 128:1-4,145:19; Prv 10:27)
Some believe that the New Testament does not teach men to fear God. It is asserted that God is all about love and grace, etc. But read the following passages and see if you agree with the above: “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil2:12). “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Lk 12:5).
Now someone might say “perfect love casts out fear,” which is a scriptural concept (1 Jn 4:18). But how do we harmonize this with the command to “fear God”? When one recognizes who God is and that “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31) he may make a concerted effort to learn of God (Mt 11:29) and to obey his commandments (Jn 14:15, 21)). If he becomes a Christian and begins to “walk in the light” (1 Jn 1:7) the fear of God may rightly be removed. Of course, there is still the recognition that one must “press on” (Phil 3:14) lest recognition of failure to live in obedience result in the recurrence of the fear that was once removed. And, of course, reverential fear will continue with those of us who love God as we realize we are not perfect (Rom 3:23; 1 Jn 1:8, 10) and can actually fall away if we cease to be diligent (2 Pt 3:14; 1 Tm 1:19).
There is a fearful end awaiting men and women who do not love and obey God’s provision of salvation. Why not join those of us who are no longer terrified of God because of the covenant relationship we have with him?
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