fear of God

Judged for Our Work and Living in Fear

August 25, 2022 // 20 Comments

A reader asked me how to read the following verse through a new covenant lens: 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. (1 Peter 1:17) Hmm, sounds scary. Didn’t Jesus say something about having to [...]

The Terror of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:11)

May 19, 2016 // 40 Comments

Many people picture God as a scary bookkeeper recording everything they say and do. They fear that on Judgment Day he’ll shame them by playing the dirty tapes of their secret lives. As we saw in a recent article on the Bema Seat, this caricature is far removed from reality. God is not counting our sins against [...]

What is the Fear of the Lord?

January 24, 2013 // 28 Comments

What is the fear of the Lord? Your answer to this question reveals much about your faith and security. It reveals whether you are walking in grace or under condemnation. For instance, if you think God is judging your behavior to see whether you merit his unmerited favor, you’re basically saying, “I don’t [...]

Are you Religious? Take the Test!

March 28, 2011 // 32 Comments

Religion can be defined as man’s attempt to impress God. It is an attitude that says, “I can make something of myself, I can earn God’s favor.” Although it may lead to good works, the religious mindset is fatally opposed to grace of God. Religion is a form of bondage that causes a man to stand when he [...]

The Fear of God in the New Covenant

May 14, 2010 // 16 Comments

Jesus died on the cross to reconcile man to God and so that we might live free from the fear of punishment. Yet the phrase “the fear of the Lord” comes up many times in the New Testament. What does it mean to have the fear God under the new covenant? The following is a special guest post from my friend Ryan [...]