Unlocking the Power of Fearing God
In the midst of life’s chaos, one emotion stands out as the strongest: fear. But what does it mean to fear God? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? The answer lies in understanding the biblical concept of fearing God, which is not about being afraid of Him, but about having a deep reverence and awe for His majesty.
The Heartbeat of Our New Life
Fearing God is the heartbeat of our new life in Christ. It is not just a behavior or a set of actions, but a fundamental orientation of the heart. The Reformers understood this well, warning against the danger of mistaking outward shows of piety for true fear of God. Martin Luther noted that “to fear God is not merely to fall upon your knees,” while John Calvin observed that “wherever there is great ostentation in ceremonies, sincerity of heart is rare indeed.”
A Matter of the Heart
So, what does it mean to fear God? The Bible presents it as an internal matter of the heart’s inclinations. Psalm 112:1 says, “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!” Fearing God is not just about keeping rules or performing external acts, but about delighting in God’s commandments and having a deep love for Him.
Filial Fear vs. Slavish Fear
Thomas Boston, a Scottish theologian, distinguished between filial fear and slavish fear. Filial fear is a loving reverence for God as a holy Father, while slavish fear is a dread of punishment. Boston noted that “the one is mixed with hatred of God, the other with love to him.” This distinction is crucial in understanding the biblical concept of fearing God.
Cultivating a Right Fear
So, how do we cultivate a right fear of God? Luther argued that it is not through self-effort or behavior modification, but through the gospel, which preaches Christ. Only the Holy Spirit can bring about a fundamental change in our disposition, making us want to love and fear God with a loving, trembling, filial adoration.
The Surprising Good News
The fear of God is not a bad thing, but a good thing. It is the antidote to our anxiety and the key to a deeper relationship with God. As Michael Reeves notes, “The fear of God is not a state of mind you can guarantee with five easy steps. It is not something that can be acquired with simple self-effort.” Rather, it is a gift of the Holy Spirit, given to those who trust in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Fearing God is not about being afraid of Him, but about having a deep reverence and awe for His majesty. It is a matter of the heart, a fundamental orientation that shapes our thoughts, feelings, and actions. By understanding the biblical concept of fearing God, we can cultivate a right fear that leads to a deeper relationship with Him and a more joyful, peaceful life.
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