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Emphasis Mine In Bible Verses
Introduction
Christians Have Forgotten the 'Fear of God'
What The Scripture Say About Fearing God...
The Old Testament and What the Hebrew Words Mean
What The Scripture Say About Fearing God...
The New Testament and What the Greek Words Mean
Why Christians Should Fear God
Romans 8:38-39 and Hebrews 13:5
The Two Sides of Jesus
Doesn't Perfect Love Cast Out Fear?
Introduction
Anyone who stops long enough to take a good hard look at the world around him will come to the very depressing conclusion that there is something fundamentally wrong with our society. Something has gone very very wrong. As Paul wrote in his second letter to Timothy, it wasn't global catastrophes he was as concerned about but the moral condition of the individual in the last days.
But realize this, that in the last days difficult (Gk. chalepos) times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (2 Timothy 3:1-4 NASB)
Note: The NASB renders the Greek chalepos as 'difficult' which does not come anywhere near conveying the the meaning of the word. Chalepos was only used one other time in Matthew 8:28 to describe two men who were demon-possessed and who were "so extremely violent (Gk. chalepos) that no one could pass by that way.
As David Guzik writes in his commentary "'Lovers of self' aptly heads the list since it is the essence of all sin and the root from which all the other characteristics spring. The word is literally 'self-lovers' and points to the fact that the center of gravity of the natural man is self rather than God." [01]
Note: It is well worth reading Mr. Guzik's analysis of every one of the characteristics of people in the last days in verses 1 to 4.
Who can argue that every one of the features he describes as being prominent in the last days are rampant in today's society. The population at large is hedonistic - primarily devoted to the pursuit of pleasure. We are also extremely materialistic and greedy in our endless quest for newer, shinier, bigger and better - virtually everything seems to boil down to the bottom line. (And no! Romans 3:10-17 does not apply. See None That Seeketh
In the next chapter Paul added "But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived." (2 Timothy 3:13 NASB). He also went on to make a prophecy that has been fulfilled - in spades.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NASB)
Tragically, the church that should have been a bulwark against evil has, with many apostate leaders and a Biblically illiterate population, latched on to the coat tails of the world and adopted practices that DIRECTLY stem from the Occult. Very many modern believers are being reintroduced to ancient practices as ways to get closer to and be able to communicate with God - few taking the time to find out what is behind these practices and the people that teach them. We cheerfully walk labyrinths, spend countless hours emptying our minds in the pursuit of mystical encounters with the Father, think nothing of babbling incoherently, laughing hysterically, or simply fall over on the church floor having what looks suspiciously like convulsions. See Doctrines of Demons
As Einstein once said
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
We are so busy congratulating ourselves on how "spiritual" we have become, that we little suspect that we are losing all rights to call ourselves "Christians". We have openly invited evil to cross the threshold which means that one of these days the doors will be wide enough for them to make their move. You can take it to the bank that they are coming back. In ancient times the evil of men and the abominable union of the supernatural with the natural moved God to judge the world and, according the Savior Himself, those events will repeat themselves. See Days of Noah
Which bring me to the reason for this article ...
Christians Have Forgotten the 'Fear of God'
The gravity of Biblical Christianity has largely been lost sight of. We are faced with a generation of people who have absolutely no fear of God and, as a result, will face disastrous consequences.
We claim to read our Bibles yet seems to have missed the fact that both Old and New Testaments paint the reality and terror of God's wrath in very graphic, easy to understand, terms. Yet today's powerless, sickly sweet, sentimental, Christianity has chosen to babble on and on about the goodness and love of God but totally ignore (to our peril) His wrath and judgment.
We absorb very little of what the Bible says about serving God, insisting instead that He serve us. All too many of us have a one dimensional view of the creator of the universe as a benevolent, all loving, celestial bellhop who seems to exist only to provide us with more "blessings". For example, we regularly call on Him to "bless" our country completely ignoring the fact that nations on the whole that are disobedient to Him are never blessed but, quite to the contrary, are objects of His wrath.
And because we do not choose to see much less acknowledge this side of the God we claim to serve we do not fear Him.
The balance has to be restored - Mushy, sentimental Christianity has to give way to an understanding that God is a God of love, but is also a God of wrath, fury and terror.
The Biblical accounts of God's wrath are not out-of-date antiquated fairy stories, nor has His wrath dissipated or even lessened over time. Much to the contrary all evidence seems to point to the fact that the terrible plagues and judgments in the book of Revelation are the accumulation of God's wrath over the history of mankind.
See The Wrath of God And Is God Different in both Testaments ie. Has He Changed?
Like the Gentiles Paul was speaking about, we too have become fools all the while professing ourselves to be wise (Romans 1:22).
What The Scripture Say About Fearing God...
The Old Testament
The verses below use different grammatical forms of the Hebrew verb "yare'" that "primarily conveys the idea of fear, and/or terror and dread. However, when used to describe the fear of God yare is not merely about being afraid, but includes a reverential awe of His power, majesty and holiness leading to plus a deep commitment to His commandments and will
It denotes a profound respect or reverence and encompasses both the fear of God's power and judgment and
God Himself warned that His people should fear Him all the days of their lives and teach their children to do so as well..
"Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when the LORD said to me, 'Assemble the people to Me, that I may let them hear My words so they may learn to fear (Heb. (lyir·’ah ) Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.' (Deuteronomy 4:10 NASB)
"For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being," declares the LORD. "But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word. (Isaiah 66:2 NASB)
'Do you not fear (Heb. tî·ra·’u) Me?' declares the LORD. 'Do you not tremble in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, An eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it. (Jeremiah 5:22 NASB)
and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear (Heb. yâre) Me always, for their own good and for the good of their children after them. (Jeremiah 32:39 NASB)
There are a few verses in which yâre unambiguously means "reverence" or "awe". For example
'Every one of you shall reverence (Heb. yâre) his mother and his father, and you shall keep My sabbaths; I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:3 NASB)
You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence (Heb. yâre) My sanctuary; I am the LORD. (Leviticus 26:2 NASB)
The Patriarchs and Prophets Feared The Lord
Certainly the godly men of the Bible took God seriously. The Old Testament is replete with examples of people who feared God and who full well understood the consequences of not doing so.
Abraham's faith was put to the most extreme test when he was commanded to sacrifice Isaac. When he arrived at mount Moriah prepared to do so, he was stopped by an angel who directed him to a ram that could be sacrificed instead. In the angel's words
He said, "Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear (Heb. yâre) God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." (Genesis 22:12 NASB)
We are told that Moses hid his face at the burning bush, "for he was afraid (Heb. yâre) to look at God". (Exodus 3:6).
When in Exodus 19 the Lord came down on Sinai, He instructed that the people consecrate themselves,and if anyone, man or beast, touched the mountain they would die. Of this the author of Hebrews said "And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, "I am full of fear (Gk. ekphobos) and trembling." (Hebrews 12:21 NASB). The people's response to Moses was ...
Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die." Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear (Heb. yir'âh) of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin." (Exodus 20:19-20 NASB)
Using several different Hebrew words the Psalmist said he trembledfor fear of the Lord, and
You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross; Therefore I love Your testimonies. My flesh trembles for fear (Heb. pachad) of You, And I am afraid (Heb. yâre) of Your judgments. (Psalms 119:119-120 NASB)
The prophet Isaiah told the people that it was the LORD of hosts whom they should regard as holy and He shall be their fear (Heb. môrâ) and their dread (Heb. ârats) (Isaiah 8:13 )
The Hebrew Words
Môrâ means fear; by implication a fearful thing or deed: dread, (that ought to be) terror.
‘You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and with wonders, and with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror; (Jeremiah 32:21 NASB)
ârats means great dread or to shake terribly.
Men will go into caves of the rocks And into holes of the ground Before the terror (Heb. pachad) of the LORD And the splendor of His majesty, When He arises to make the earth tremble (Heb. ârats). (Isaiah 2:19 NASB)
In order to go into the caverns of the rocks and the clefts of the cliffs Before the terror (Heb. pachad) of the LORD and the splendor of His majesty, When He arises to make the earth tremble (Heb. ârats). (Isaiah 2:21 NASB)
pachad
The Hebrew word pachad that also means "terror" or "dread" was used in verses that spoke about Israel's conquest of the pagan nations. Joshua was told that the nations would dread him and his armies.
He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, "Whoever does not come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen." Then the dread (Heb. pachad) of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out as one man. (1 Samuel 11:7 NASB)
What The Scripture Say About Fearing God... The New Testament
The fear of the Lord was also taught in the New Testament
"... His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear (phobeo) HIM. (Luke 1:50 NASB)
"...in every nation the man who fears (phobeo) Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. (Acts 10:35 NASB)
Jesus Himself said
"Do not fear (Gk. phobeo) those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear (Gk. phobeo) Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28 NASB)
Paul warned the Gentiles that they needed to persevere in the faith - they needed to fear, not be conceited.
You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear (Gk. phobeo); for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. (Romans 11:19-22 NASB)
Paul warned the Philippian believers that they needed to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear (Gk. phobos) and trembling ; (Philippians 2:12 NASB)
Very importantly only those who fear God will come through the tribulation
"And the nations were enraged, and Your wrath came, and the time came for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear (Gk. phobeo) Your name, the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth." (Revelation 11:18 NASB)
And a voice came from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear (Gk. phobeo) Him, the small and the great." (Revelation 19:5 NASB)
Jesus' Miracles Inspired Both Belief and Fear
Although we may think healing miracles inspire only rejoicing and joy, the miracles done by Jesus inspired both faith and great fear. The overwhelming emotions of those who were actually healed had to have been extreme happiness and gratitude, but the miracles causes onlookers to realize that God was in their midst (which is why the miracles were done in the first place), which scared the dickens out of them.
When the only son of a widow was raised from the dead, "Fear (Gk. phobos) gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and, "God has visited His people!" (Luke 7:16 NASB)
When Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples "became very much afraid (Gk. phobeo) and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" (Mark 4:41 NASB)
When Jesus healed the paralytic, the crowd was "all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear (Gk. phobos), saying, "We have seen remarkable things today." (Luke 5:26 NASB)
The people who witnessed Jesus' healing of the demon possessed man by sending the demons into a herd of swine, were so frightened that they asked Jesus to leave them
When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran away and reported it in the city and out in the country. The people went out to see what had happened; and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting down at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they became frightened (Gk. phobeo). Those who had seen it reported to them how the man who was demon-possessed had been made well. And all the people of the country of the Gerasenes and the surrounding district asked Him to leave them, for they were gripped with great fear (Gk. phobos); and He got into a boat and returned. (Luke 8:34-37 NASB)
Jesus Backed His Claims by Working Miracles
See Authenticating The Coming of The Messiah
And it is far from true that anyone who has made a one time profession of faith has absolutely nothing to worry about. See Salvation and The Warning of The Bible
The Greek Words
Unfortunately we in the 21st century have seriously downplayed the fear of God. I am not sure whether this is done because modern Christians believe that we no longer need to fear Him because we live under the New Covenant and are justified by faith, because the term "fear" is considered to be too harsh or blunt, or simply because "fear" does not fit in with the popular modern vision of God as a kindly, white haired, grandfather in the sky.
Phobeo And Phobos
The Greek words phobeo and phobos (the source of our English "phobia") are together used over 140 times in the New Testament. While there is little question that God deserves our reverence and awe the fact remains that phobos means to be very afraid. This clearly shown by the following examples.
There was no "respect" involved in the feeling of the guards who saw the angel at the tomb. They were terrified
And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear (Gk. phobos) of him and became like dead men. (Matthew 28:2-4 NASB)
And, not many people faint from 'reverence'.
"There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear (Gk. phobos) and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (Luke 21:25-26 NASB)
The following incident related in the book of Acts should be enough to give anyone pause for thought.
But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? "While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear (Gk. phobos) came over all who heard of it. (Acts 5:3-5 NASB)
The author of Hebrews wrote
And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. Therefore, let us fear (Gk. phobeo) if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. (Hebrews 3:18 - 4:1 NASB)
Phoberos
The Greek word phoberos (a derivative of phobos) was used three times in the New Testament and translated "terrifying" twice and "terrible" once
but a terrifying (Gk. phoberos) expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. (Hebrews 10:27 NASB)
It is a terrifying (Gk. phoberos) thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:31 NASB)
And so terrible (Gk. phoberos) was the sight, that Moses said, "I am full of fear and trembling." (Hebrews 12:21 NASB)
Why Christians Should Fear God
A very simple reason - The Scriptures are very clear that the fear of the Lord is the wisdom that keeps a person from doing the evil that God hates. Thus the fear of the Lord is linked to salvation
Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear (Heb. yir'âh) of God will be with you to keep you from sinning" (Exodus 20:20).
By loving kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear (Heb. yir'âh) of the Lord one keeps away from evil. (Proverbs 16:6 NASB)
I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; and I will put the fear (Heb. yir'âh) of Me in their hearts so that they will not turn away from Me. (Jeremiah 32:40 NASB)
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear (Gk. phobos) of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1, NASB)
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (Philippians 2:12 NASB)
Even Solomon connected the the fear of the Lord with the coming judgment.
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NASB)
As did Paul in his letter to the Corinthians many centuries later,
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Therefore, knowing the fear (Gk. phobos) of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. (2 Corinthians 5:10-11 NASB)
In the verse above Paul use of the word "we" (in bold) means he did not exclude himself. If Paul who wrote two thirds of the New Testament will appear before the judgment seat to be recompensed for his deeds, can any professing Christian imagine that their faith will exclude them from having to do so?
Romans 8:38-39 and Hebrews 13:5
Some believe that we will never have anything to fear from our God - Romans 8:38-39 (nothing can separate us from His love), and Hebrews 13:5 (He will never leave us or forsake us) are both used to support the position. Lets look at each of the verses in turn.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This was written to encourage believers concerning the confidence they have in Christ. But if read carefully the verses say those who are in Christ are protected by God from all outside forces that wish to separate them from His love. No assurance is offered to those that are not in Christ. In fact, a few verses earlier, Paul wrote (Emphasis Added)
for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:13 NASB)
Similarly Jesus said His sheep listen to his voice and those sheep will be given eternal life.
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand" (John 10:27-29).
The situation is similar to Romans 8:38-39 inasmuch as it endeavors to give the believer confidence that no outside force can snatch them out of the Father's hand. However, if a person gets to the point where they do not hear His voice they no longer His sheep and these assurances do not apply to them. They cannot claim to have any blessing of God, much less eternal life.
Also See Acknowledging Jesus Merely as Savior is Insufficient
And Holiness
Hebrews 13:5
has been taken so completely out of context that it would be almost laughable if it were not such a serious matter. If the verse is read in it's entirety, it is clear that the author was warning against covetousness and was telling his readers to be content with the things they had. The word "for" connects both parts of the sentence.
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you," (Hebrews 13:5 NASB)
People who are not content with what they have are forever running after something more be it money, possessions. etc. As Paul wrote in his letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:10 NASB) the love of money is the source of much evil which is why the author of Hebrews was telling his readers to be content with what they have, particularly because God will never to forsake his people.
However the author of Hebrews also said (All Emphasis Added)
Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14 NASB)
And perhaps, we need to rethink our rather one sided view of Jesus
Jesus' Two Sides
Jesus is often pictured as a gentlen rather ascetic looking individual cradling a lamb. Unquestionably Jesus is the Lamb of God but that terminology only applies to the fact that Jesus was the antitype of the lamb that was slain in Egypt after the Egyptians refused to give the Jews their freedom in spite of despite plague after plague being visited on them. Finally, the Israelites were given very explicit instructions... They were to sacrifice a lamb and place the blood upon the door posts and lintels of their homes. That night the angel "passed over" the houses of the Jews that were covered by the lamb's blood, but caused the death of the first-born of all families in the houses that were not. See Exodus 12:13
Jesus was the Passover lamb however, the nature of lambs cannot be allowed to influence our perspective of Him and cause us to seriously down play His other side. Yes, He is gentle with His flock, but pay close attention to how else the Bible describes Him.
For example, the book of Revelation paints a very alarming picture of the Lamb of God at whose word the very earth will be destroyed.
In the final moments of this era Jesus will ride down on a white horse, followed by the armies of Heaven, clothed in fine linen. He will be clothed in a robe dipped in blood, His eyes will be a flame of fire, and He will carry a sharp sword to strike down the nations and treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God. On His robe is written, "King Of Kings, and Lord Of Lords" (Revelation 19:11-16)
The prophet Zechariah told us.
"In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south". (Zechariah 14:4 NASB)
If the description in Revelation does not instill fear and awe in your heart you take it to be non literal, are a very confident Christian or a very foolhardy one.
Hopefully, like Paul you can say
"in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing". (2 Timothy 4:8 NASB).
But remember, that Paul could only say this with full confidence because he knew that he had fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith, which is what he said in the preceding verse. (See Context is Crucial)
Doesn't Perfect Love Cast Out Fear?
There are verses in the New Testament that indicate that there is no place for fear in the heart and mind of the believer. John said
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love" (1 John 4:18 NASB)
About this verse Bible commentator Adam Clarke said "The man who feels that he loves God with all his heart can never dread him as his Judge"... a statement that can only be understood IF we take the verse in context. In the preceding verse John said "as He is, so also are we in this world". In other words, not having fear is conditional upon us demonstrating the same traits the Saviour had. Should we do so, then there is nothing to worry about on the day of judgment. Read both verses together
By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. (1 John 4:17-18 NASB)
Similarly, in the book of Romans, Paul said
for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" (Romans 8:13-15 NASB)
Once again, those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God and have no reason to fear. A person who professes belief but does not obey the Lord and turn away from the sins and indulgences of the world has every reason to fear Him. See How The Bible Defines Sin
A man who perfectly loves God has nothing to fear because Gods wrath is directed towards everyone who does not obey the Son. As Jesus said
... if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:17 NASB)
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. (John 14:15 NASB)
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. (John 15:10 NASB)
End Notes
[01] The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-timothy-3/
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