Two Kinds of Fear

There is a lot of preaching today about the love of God. Sermons often highlight His mercy, kindness, and forgiveness. And all of that is true. But seldom do we hear preaching about the fear of God. Yet Scripture does not separate the two. God’s love is real, but so is His holiness.

“If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:17–19)

Some might object and point to 2 Timothy 1:7, where Paul says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear.” But in that passage, fear means cowardice—shrinking back in weakness. That is not the same fear Peter is speaking about. The fear of God is reverence and awe before Him as Father and Judge. One fear drives us away, the other draws us near.

Scripture backs this up again and again. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). “By the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight” (Romans 3:20). Our efforts and even our wealth fade like silver and gold. They cannot save. But the blood of Christ, like a lamb without blemish or spot, secures eternal redemption.

This is why the writer of Hebrews tells us, “Let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28–29). Reverence is not optional. It is part of what it means to walk faithfully during our short stay on this earth.

Love and fear are not opposites when it comes to God. They belong together. His love draws us near, His holiness humbles us, and His blood secures us. One fear we reject—the fear that makes us cowards. The other fear we embrace—the fear that keeps us walking faithfully until the day we see Him face to face.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)