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Oct
27
If there is one faith based phrase that used to upset me and turn me off in my youth, it was that we should FEAR GOD!! Some preachers often use this phrase to make many good people feel like they are the worst sinners who ever lived; which of course suits their purposes just fine!
The set up and hint:
The audience at this VERY unusual discourse on GOD has all agreed that PRIDE is indeed the very worst of our sins and that it can actually prohibit our SALVATION!! However, it has also been shown that we cannot live without our PRIDE. I've been backed into a corner to solve this dilemma.
Let's rock!
Attachments:
ON THE FEAR OF GOD2.pdf (111 KB)
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The word "fear" as is used in the King James Version of the Bible, loses the true essence of the original Hebrew and Greek text. It also pales in comparison to the modern English vernacular.
For instance, Ps 111:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” At first glance and within modern context, “fear” seems to mean to be afraid. Therefore, it would appear that it is wise to be afraid or be fearful of God. However, all Scripture must be understood in light of other Scripture. By revelation of the Holy Spirit, even the novice soon discovers that God’s Word is self-confirming. That fear is dread within the context of Ps 111, is absurd and cannot be true because the Word of God also says in 1Jo 4:18, “…fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
So, where is the balance of the two definitions of fear? I would submit it is found within the context of the original translation. When the Scripture says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” fear is properly defined in the Hebrew as “reverential respect or piety.” God is love (1 John 4:8) and perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Thus, it is mutually exclusive for us to be afraid of or tormented by God if He is love. However, because He is love itself, it would be wise for us to respond to that love with reverence and awe. The fear of the Lord is requisite to worship. However, worship is love responding to love. God first loved us and we respond in kind, with reverential fear, in awe of Him, loving him with all our being. It is wise to FEAR GOD. :-)
Your analysis is both thoughtful and meaningful. It is a real blessing to hear your thoughts as I have very high regard for them. When time permits, please read the article on why life is rotten to the very core. I promise you will enjoy it. In the mean time, I dearly thank you for taking the time to respond. You are far more versed in scripture than I and your thinking is quite solid and nice to read.
You will probably disagree with me on this, but scripture interpretation is extremely problematical once it leaves your mouth. It is, in my humble opinion, meant to guide your behavior first and foremost. From what life has taught me, it makes great cannon fodder for heated dispute; often with bad results. For me, I know I'm not that smart so I don't go toe to toe with anyone when it comes to scripture interpretation. I just let them have their say and will rarely offer a counter interpretation for reasons just explained. You are a very intelligent person and I consider it a real treat to listen to what you have to say. Abundant blessings!!