Topical Bible: Godly Fear: God is the Author of

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Godly fear, often referred to as the "fear of the Lord," is a profound reverence and awe for God, recognizing His supreme authority, holiness, and power. This fear is not a paralyzing dread but a respectful acknowledgment of God's majesty and righteousness, leading to obedience and worship. The concept of godly fear is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is portrayed as a foundational aspect of a believer's relationship with God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently presents God as the initiator and author of godly fear. In Proverbs 1:7, it is written, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse highlights that true wisdom and understanding commence with a reverent fear of God, which He instills in the hearts of those who seek Him.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that godly fear is a work of God in the believer's life. Philippians 2:12-13 states, "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. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." Here, Paul underscores that the fear and trembling with which believers approach their salvation are motivated by God's active work within them.

God's Sovereignty and Holiness

Godly fear arises from an understanding of God's sovereignty and holiness. Isaiah 6:1-5 provides a vivid depiction of the prophet Isaiah's encounter with God's holiness, resulting in a profound sense of fear and unworthiness. Isaiah's response, "Woe is me, for I am ruined!" (Isaiah 6:5), reflects the natural human reaction to the divine majesty and purity of God.

Similarly, in the book of Hebrews, the author exhorts believers to worship God with reverence and awe, recognizing His consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29 states, "Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire." This passage reinforces the idea that godly fear is a response to God's unchanging nature and His righteous judgment.

The Role of Godly Fear in the Believer's Life

Godly fear serves as a guiding principle in the life of a believer, leading to a life of obedience and devotion. It is a catalyst for righteous living, as seen in Proverbs 8:13: "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech." This verse illustrates that godly fear naturally results in a rejection of sin and a pursuit of holiness.

Moreover, godly fear is a source of wisdom and protection. Proverbs 14:26-27 declares, "He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death." Here, the fear of the Lord is depicted as a protective force, offering security and life to those who embrace it.

Godly Fear and the New Covenant

Under the New Covenant, godly fear is deepened through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit convicts believers of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), fostering a reverent fear of God that leads to transformation and sanctification. This fear is not burdensome but is characterized by love and respect for God, as seen in 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

In conclusion, godly fear is a divine gift, authored by God Himself, that draws believers into a deeper relationship with Him. It is a vital aspect of faith, shaping the believer's conduct, worship, and understanding of God's nature. Through godly fear, believers are equipped to live lives that honor and glorify God, reflecting His holiness and righteousness in a fallen world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 32:39,40
And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Author to the Reader.
... THE AUTHOR TO THE READER ... Holy Ghost, the shedding abroad of the love of God in our ...
of the insufficiency of all things within them, in godly fear hide themselves ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/the author to the reader.htm

Our Attitude Toward his Sovereignty
... Once the Sovereignty of the Author of the Word is ... Not only should the recognition
of God's supremacy beget within us godly fear, implicit obedience, and ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter ten our attitude toward.htm

The Law of God
... rule for directing his life in a godly and spiritual ... and to refrain from evil, through
a fear of punishment ... obedience which must be rendered to God; for though ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 12 the law of.htm

Introduction
... of God, veneration for the Word of God, and the ... and systematization which were marked
features of the author. ... to be suffused with the warmth of godly fear. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/introduction.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... conclude, then, as I began, that the fear that the spirit of God, as a spirit of
bondage, worketh, is good and godly, not only because of the author, but also ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Providence of God
... The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him; to ... to the file to brighten it, so
the godly are beholden to ... Is it likely that God is the author of sin, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/14 the providence of god.htm

Counter-Statements of Theodoret.
... save Him from death, and was heard for His godly fear, though He ... He became unto all
that obey Him the author of eternal salvation; named of God a high ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/counter-statements of theodoret.htm

On Lent, iv.
... all faith, and in the vessels emptied by her godly bounty a ... he had formerly bound,
and did not fear to assail ... of which they contend the devil, not God, is the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xlii on lent iv.htm

The Great High-Priest.
... from death, and having been heard for His godly fear, though He ... became unto all them
that obey Him the Author of eternal salvation; named of God a High ...
/.../chapter iv the great high-priest.htm

Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.
... sun" and of the whole duty of man to "fear God and keep ... with the outcome of the higher
wisdom of the Godly life. ... but to fulfill some great plan of God for him ...
/.../chapter xiv ecclesiastes and the.htm