Topical Encyclopedia Godly fear, often synonymous with reverence and awe, is a profound respect for the divine nature and authority of God. It is a central theme in Scripture, serving as a powerful motivator for righteous living and a deeper understanding of God's holiness. The holiness of God, His absolute purity and moral perfection, is both awe-inspiring and fear-inducing, compelling believers to live in a manner that honors Him.The Nature of Godly Fear Godly fear is not a paralyzing dread but a reverential awe that acknowledges God's majesty and righteousness. It is the recognition of God's infinite greatness and our own human frailty. This fear is rooted in love and respect, leading to obedience and worship. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" . This verse highlights that godly fear is foundational to acquiring true wisdom and understanding. Motives to Godly Fear 1. The Holiness of God: God's holiness is His defining attribute, setting Him apart from all creation. Isaiah 6:3 captures the seraphim's proclamation, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" . This thrice-repeated declaration emphasizes the supreme holiness of God, which should evoke a sense of reverence and fear in His presence. 2. God's Righteous Judgments: The awareness of God's righteous judgments serves as a motive for godly fear. Hebrews 10:31 warns, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" . This fear is not merely about punishment but about the recognition of God's just nature and the consequences of sin. 3. The Love and Mercy of God: Paradoxically, God's love and mercy also inspire godly fear. Psalm 130:4 states, "But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared" . The forgiveness and grace extended by God lead to a reverent fear, acknowledging His mercy and the cost of redemption. 4. The Presence of God: The omnipresence of God is a constant reminder of His holiness. Psalm 139:7-8 declares, "Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there" . The inescapable presence of God calls for a life lived in reverence and fear. 5. The Example of Christ: Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, exemplified godly fear through His obedience to the Father. Hebrews 5:7 notes, "During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence" . Christ's reverence for the Father serves as a model for believers to emulate. The Impact of Godly Fear on Holiness Godly fear is transformative, leading to a life of holiness and devotion. It compels believers to pursue righteousness, shun evil, and live in accordance with God's will. 2 Corinthians 7:1 exhorts, "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" . This call to holiness is motivated by the reverent fear of God, recognizing His holiness and our call to reflect His character. In summary, godly fear is a profound motivator for holiness, rooted in the recognition of God's holiness, righteousness, love, and presence. It is a fear that leads to wisdom, obedience, and a life that honors the Creator. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 15:4Who shall not fear you, O Lord, and glorify your name? for you only are holy: for all nations shall come and worship before you; for your judgments are made manifest. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Treatise of the Fear of God; Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence One Thing is Needful; Ananias and Sapphira. The Motives to this Oversight The Eternal Punishment of the Wicked Reconciled with the Goodness ... An Exhortation to Love God A Description of Heart-Purity The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest. Motives from the Benefits of Work Resources Is it true that fear is a liar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear not / do not fear? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about fear? | GotQuestions.org Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: David Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Job, According to the Testimony of Satan Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Jonah, During the Storm Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Noah, in Preparing the Ark Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Jews, in Obeying the Voice of the Lord Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Women at the Grave Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Adam and Eve Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Demons Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Judas Fear of God: Guilty Fear: The Guards at Jesus' Tomb Fear of God: Hezekiah, in his Treatment of the Prophet Micah, Who Prophesied Harm Against Jerusalem Fear of God: Jacob, in the Vision of the Ladder, and the Covenant of God Fear of God: Obadiah, in Sheltering One-Hundred Prophets Against the Wrath of Jezebel Fear of God: Phinehas, in Turning Away the Anger of God at the Time of the Plague Fear of God: The Egyptians, at the Time of the Plague of Thunder and Hail and Fire Fear of God: The Midwives of Egypt, in Refusing to Take the Lives of the Hebrew Children Fear of God: The Nine and One-Half Tribes of Israel West of the Jordan River Godly Fear: A Characteristic of Saints Godly Fear: A Fountain of Life Godly Fear: A Treasure to Saints Godly Fear: Filial and Reverential Godly Fear: God is the Author of Godly Fear: God is the Object of Godly Fear: Motives to Judgments of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Forgiveness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Goodness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Greatness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Holiness of God Godly Fear: Motives to Wondrous Works of God Godly Fear: Necessary to Avoiding of Sin Godly Fear: Necessary to Impartial Administration of Justice Godly Fear: Necessary to Perfecting Holiness Godly Fear: Necessary to Righteous Government Godly Fear: Necessary to The Service of God Godly Fear: Necessary to The Worship of God Godly Fear: Searching the Scriptures Gives the Understanding of Godly Fear: should Accompany the Joy of Saints Godly Fear: should be Constantly Maintained Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Giving a Reason for Our Hope Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Our Callings Godly Fear: should be Prayed For Godly Fear: should be Taught to Others Godly Fear: The Wicked Destitute of Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Accepted of God Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Blessed Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Pitied by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Afford Pleasure to God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Confide in God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Converse Together of Holy Things Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Days of, Prolonged Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Depart from Evil Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Desires of, Fulfilled by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Receive Mercy from God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: should not Fear Man Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Future Punishment Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Idols Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Judgments Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Man Unholy Fear is Described as Consuming Unholy Fear is Described as Overwhelming Unholy Fear: A Characteristic of the Wicked Unholy Fear: A Guilty Conscience Leads To Unholy Fear: Adonijah's Guests Unholy Fear: Exhortations Against Unholy Fear: Saints Delivered From Unholy Fear: Saints Sometimes Tempted To Unholy Fear: Seizes the Wicked Unholy Fear: Shall be Realised Unholy Fear: Surprises the Hypocrite Unholy Fear: The Wicked Judicially Filled With Unholy Fear: Trust in God, a Preservative From Related Terms |
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