Godly fear, often referred to as the "fear of the Lord," is a profound reverence and awe for God that leads to a life of holiness and sanctification. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is essential for understanding the relationship between believers and their Creator. It is not a fear that leads to terror or dread but rather a respectful acknowledgment of God's majesty, power, and holiness, which compels believers to live in a manner that honors Him.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord as a foundational aspect of wisdom and understanding. 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 the starting point for acquiring true wisdom, which is intimately connected to living a sanctified life.

In the New Testament, the concept of godly fear is further developed. Hebrews 12:28-29 exhorts believers, "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 underscores the necessity of approaching God with reverence, recognizing His holiness and the transformative power of His presence.

Sanctification Through Godly Fear

Sanctification, the process of being made holy, is intrinsically linked to godly fear. This reverence for God motivates believers to pursue holiness and to separate themselves from sin. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul urges the church, "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." Here, the fear of God is presented as a catalyst for moral and spiritual purification.

The Apostle Peter also connects godly fear with sanctification in 1 Peter 1:15-17: "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.' Since you call on a Father who judges each one's work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners." This passage calls believers to emulate God's holiness, driven by a reverent fear that acknowledges His role as both Father and Judge.

Practical Implications

Godly fear has practical implications for the believer's daily life. It influences ethical behavior, decision-making, and worship. A life marked by godly fear is characterized by obedience to God's commandments, a commitment to righteousness, and a desire to reflect God's character in all aspects of life.

Moreover, godly fear fosters a deep sense of accountability before God. Believers are reminded that their actions are observed by a holy and just God, which encourages them to live with integrity and sincerity. This awareness of God's omnipresence and omniscience serves as a deterrent against sin and a motivation for righteous living.

Conclusion

While godly fear is a profound and multifaceted concept, its role in sanctification is clear. It is a vital component of the believer's spiritual journey, guiding them toward a life that is pleasing to God and reflective of His holiness. Through godly fear, believers are continually drawn closer to God, experiencing His transformative power and growing in their likeness to Christ.Psalm 19:9
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
... His Spirit (Isaiah 44:3), which for its sanctifying nature, is ... But I fear I shall
not get a livelihood ... beheld such an eclipse, he never saw a godly man brought ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the best things work for.htm

The Mediator --The Interpreter
... Godly fear makes prayer to be fervent prayer; it makes the ... that brought thee up out
of Egypt." Fear alone will work no saving or sanctifying effect on the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the mediatorthe interpreter.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... For there is no duty performed by us that can by any means be accepted
of God, if it be not seasoned with godly fear. Wherefore ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Power of Prayer in Relation to Outward Circumstances.
... when we have the living thought of God accompanying, purifying and sanctifying all
our ... this or that, are still very far from the spirit of true godly fear. ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/i the power of prayer.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... yet the wise overruling hand of God disposing and sanctifying them, they ... (1). None
but the godly are capable ... You fear you are not God's child because you are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

One Thing is Needful;
... Those only who are clothed in the Redeemer's righteousness, and cleansed by his
purifying, sanctifying sufferings, can stand accepted, and will ... OF GODLY FEAR.]. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm

Covenant Duties.
... he shall hear my voice."[240] So also should godly fear. ... and one way, that they may
fear me for ... On the ground that the illuminating and sanctifying agency of ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

Contents.
... And the true manner of sanctifying the Sabbath day is described out of the ... Consolations
against the Fear of Death, 309 39 ... The Speech of a Godly Man dying, 323 42 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/contents.htm

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... on Christ; it has both a justifying and sanctifying virtue; it ... Why should the saints
fear their preferment ... it not a blessed thing to meet our godly relations in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots ...
... or shedding of the holy and sanctifying Spirit upon ... 4. Of fear; lest God's goodness
be abused, and ... 5. Of sincerity, and godly ingenuity, avoiding all hypocrisy ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter ix how to make.htm

What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.org

How can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org

Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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