What is the fear of God?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The fear of God is about awe, reverence, and respect for our Creator that leads to wisdom and obedience rather than terror. However, for those who reject God, the fear of Him is a reality because they face His judgment for their sin. The Old Testament tells us that a proper fear of God is the foundation of knowledge and a right relationship with Him. Fools reject this wisdom because they fail to recognize God’s authority and goodness. Only those who have not trusted in Jesus are called to fear God in the sense of dread, as judgment awaits the unrepentant.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Proverbs 1:7 teaches, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." The verse ends with a parallel thought: "fools despise wisdom and instruction." The contrast made in the two lines concerns wisdom. A proper view of God is the beginning of knowledge. "Fools" who have an improper view of God do not appreciate wisdom or instruction.
• The Old Testament Law given to Israel confirms that a right relationship with God involves fearing Him. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 says, "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?" Again, to "fear" God is to have a proper view of Him that leads to love, service, and obedience.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The only ones who are to "fear" God in the sense of "being afraid" are those who have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ. For those individuals, the future holds judgment (Hebrews 10:31). Jesus taught, "But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!" (Luke 12:5). The only way to avoid this future judgment is to believe in the Son of God (John 3:16). Faith in Jesus will take away the fear of the future and give a proper view of God.
• We don’t have to fear God in the sense of being afraid of Him if we have trusted in Him for salvation. John wrote, "By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for 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. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love" (1 John 4:17-18). Those who know Christ do not live in fear of the future; they do not have to be afraid of God's condemnation. Instead, they have a proper view of God based on His love for them.
• A proper view of God includes a deep reverence and respect for our Creator and Savior. In Christ, we need not be afraid of God, but we are to fear Him, knowing it is only by His grace we are saved and can experience a relationship with Him (Ephesians 2:8-9).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Many people misunderstand what it means to fear God. For believers, faith in Christ removes the fear of future punishment and replaces it with confidence and love, allowing us to view God rightly. This reverent fear inspires a life of obedience, gratitude, and humility, acknowledging God’s grace in salvation. Fearing God means living in respect and awe of who God is, and living lives surrendered to Him. Unbelievers, on the other hand, should have a true fear of the One who will judge them for their lack of faith in Jesus Christ as His chosen sacrifice for sin. If you don’t know Jesus you need to consider the consequences of your unbelief and turn to Him today.

UNDERSTAND

• The fear of God is reverence and awe that leads to wisdom and surrender to Him.
• For those who reject God, the fear of God is fear of judgment and consequences.
• Believers do not have to fear God’s judgment but instead live in obedience and confidence in His love.

REFLECT

• How have you wrestled with what it means to fear God?
• How does a rightful fear of God impact the way you live your life?
• How does knowing that faith in Christ removes the fear of judgment affect your confidence and trust in God?

ENGAGE

• How do we distinguish between a healthy fear of God that leads to wisdom and a fear that causes anxiety or dread?
• How should reverence for God influence our decisions, relationships, and priorities?
• How can we help others develop a proper view of God that inspires awe, obedience, and trust instead of fear of punishment?