Biblical Answer

The Fear of God: A Biblical Imperative

As Christians, we often hear that we should not fear God, but rather love Him and trust in His goodness. While it is true that our victory is secure in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and that we are co-heirs with Christ, this does not mean that we should not fear Him. In fact, the Bible teaches that fearing God is a necessary response to who He is and what He has done. Job says, "He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty" (Job 6:14), and Psalms says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). This is not a fear of being punished or of God's wrath, but rather a response of awe and reverence for His power and authority.

The Fear of God: A Response of Awe

A biblical fear of the Lord is not just an intellectual understanding, but a response of our entire being. When God teaches us to fear Him, He usually does it in a way that is utterly astonishing. The Scriptures teach us that the fear of the Lord is a response to His power and authority, and that it is the beginning of knowledge. When we keep the Lord's commands, we are showing that we have a healthy fear of Him, and that we recognize His authority over our lives. This fear is not something that we should try to avoid or suppress, but rather something that we should cultivate and nurture in our lives.

The Importance of Fearing God

The Bible teaches us that we should fear God because of His power and authority, and because of the consequences of disobeying Him. Jesus Himself said, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28). This is a clear call to fear God, and to recognize His authority over our lives. When we fear God, we are showing that we recognize His power and authority, and that we are willing to obey Him, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. This fear is a necessary response to who God is and what He has done, and it is something that we should cultivate and nurture in our lives.