Walking By Faith | Forgiveness Enables the Fear of the Lord

"But what is this fear of the Lord?  It is that affectionate reverence, by which the child of God bends himself humbly and carefully to his Father’s law."  - Charles Bridges, Anglican preacher and theologian (1794-1869)

The "fear of the Lord" is a response to God's grace and mercy, in particular, the forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness is a must-have for a restored relationship with God. When we are forgiven, we are delivered from the bondage of sin and death; obstacles to intimacy with God.

It is important to emphasize that forgiveness is an act of God's grace, and it is a gift that enables us to live a life of joyful devotion to God. However, this gift of forgiveness does not give us the go-ahead to to commit more sin. It instead provides a deep, motivating gratitude to lead a godly life.

Let's now clarify what is meant by the "fear of the Lord." Contrary to what many think, it's not a debilitating terror of Him but rather a deep and humble respect for His holiness, power, and authority.

When all is said and done, the fear of the Lord is the proper, worshipful response to recognizing one's own sinfulness in the light of God's boundless mercy. This has beneficial results for believers, such as:

• Recognizing God's supreme power and holiness: Knowing God's character and power inspires respect, not terror. Through God's grace, his greatness is made visible.
• Loving compliance: It is a dutiful or child-like fear that loves and honors the Father, making us intimidated of offending Him, not out of trepidation, but out of a desire to cooperate with God's will.
• Detestation of evil: This reverential, or respectful fear motivates a person to turn away from evil and strive for understanding.

What's more, having acquired a restored relationship with God through forgiveness, believers are compelled to glorify God through service. This is a joyful privilege, not a burdensome obligation! This service encompasses:

• Reverence and devotion: A heart surrendered to God.
• Living a life of service: Serving God by demonstrating love and compassion to others, especially the disadvantaged, underserved, underrepresented, and oppressed.
• Loving obedience: Living a lifestyle that is pleasing to God. That is, with our whole heart, not as a way to earn forgiveness, but in response to having received it.

In conclusion, God's forgiveness is the spark that transforms a heart from one that is fearful of retribution or that of assumptive mercy to one that is filled with "worshipful admiration" and a hearty willingness to serve.

Scripture: Job 28:28; Psalm 33:8; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 14:26

Prayer: "Dear Lord, the fear of You is the beginning of wisdom. Create in me a pure heart that respects Your holiness and power, that I may trust in You above all else and live a life that is true to Your name. Amen."

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane