The fear of God is a profound and essential characteristic of the saints, deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and central to the life of faith. This reverential awe and respect for the Almighty is not merely an emotional response but a foundational aspect of a believer's relationship with God, influencing their conduct, worship, and understanding of divine wisdom.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of fearing God is woven throughout Scripture, beginning with the Old Testament. In Proverbs 1:7, it is declared, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse establishes the fear of God as the starting point for true understanding and wisdom, setting the tone for a life that seeks to honor God above all.

In the narrative of the Exodus, the fear of God is demonstrated by the Israelites' response to His mighty acts. Exodus 14:31 states, "When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses." Here, fear is linked to faith and trust, acknowledging God's sovereignty and power.

Characteristics of Godly Fear

1. Reverence and Awe: The fear of God is characterized by a deep reverence and awe for His majesty and holiness. Isaiah 6:5 captures the prophet's response to a vision of the Lord: "Woe is me, for I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts." This encounter with God's holiness evokes a profound sense of humility and reverence.

2. Obedience and Righteousness: Fearing God leads to a life of obedience and righteousness. Ecclesiastes 12:13 summarizes this duty: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." The fear of God compels believers to live according to His statutes, reflecting His character in their actions.

3. Wisdom and Understanding: As noted in Proverbs, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 111:10 echoes this truth: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever." This wisdom is not merely intellectual but is deeply practical, guiding the believer in righteous living.

4. Trust and Security: Those who fear God find security and refuge in Him. Psalm 34:7 assures, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them." This divine protection is a source of comfort and strength, reinforcing the believer's trust in God's providence.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the fear of God continues to be a vital aspect of the Christian life. Acts 9:31 describes the early church: "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers." Here, the fear of the Lord is linked with spiritual growth and community strength.

The apostle Paul exhorts believers in Philippians 2:12, "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling." This fear is not one of terror but of earnestness and sincerity in pursuing holiness and salvation.

Conclusion

The fear of God is a defining characteristic of the saints, shaping their relationship with the Creator and guiding their lives in wisdom, obedience, and reverence. It is a fear that draws believers closer to God, fostering a deep and abiding faith that is reflected in their daily walk.Malachi 3:16
Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD listened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought on his name.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 10:2
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.
Nave's Topical Index

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... He was fleeing from home fearing Esau, on his way to ... of a paradox when we examine
his religious character. ... We find all of God's saints in straits at different ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/i praying saints of the.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... a person is conscious of possessing the character ascribed to ... of our fearing to sin,
and of fearing to be ... the certainty of the salvation of the saints, that it ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast ... a new nature, instead
of a new character, I admit ... infer the final salvation of the saints from the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlvii perseverance of saints.htm

God's Love Commended to Us.
... God designed also to reveal the moral character of His ... might "be able to comprehend
with all saints what is ... I was young, I was sensible of fearing God, but I ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xviii gods love commended to.htm

Catholic Spirit
... All my delight is upon the saints that are in ... alone gives the title to this character:
catholic love ... all, his union with a congregation fearing God and working ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 39 catholic spirit.htm

De Profundis.
... have been taught by it the character of God ... had a very different reason, an opposite
reason, for fearing God. ... they have cried out of it to saints, angels, the ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxiii de profundis.htm

Five Fears
... unfold to them the experience of all saints, and tell ... hath revealed to thee the
desperate character of thine ... That is the first stage of fearing God; we shall ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/five fears.htm

Abraham, the Man of Prayer
... of one of the Old Testament saints who believed ... When we study Abraham's character,
we find that after his ... Fearing that Abimelech might kill him and appropriate ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/iii abraham the man of.htm

Hezekiah, the Praying King
... were his parents and what were their religious character? ... results of such praying
by this God-fearing king. ... widens all straits by which God's saints have been ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/vi hezekiah the praying king.htm

The Necessity for Praying Men
... all perseverance and supplication for all saints.""Ephes.6 ... is for men, in increased
numbers"God-fearing men, praying ... by the force of genius or of character. ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/iii the necessity for praying.htm

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