What does God mean by putting "fear of Me in their hearts"? Setting the Context “I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will never turn away from Me.” • Spoken to Israel while exiled for persistent sin • God promises restoration through a new, everlasting covenant • The phrase “My fear” anchors the promise of lasting faithfulness Understanding “Fear of Me” • Not terror that drives away, but awe that draws close • Reverence rooted in knowing God’s holy character (Isaiah 6:1–5) • Loving submission that keeps the heart aligned with His will (Deuteronomy 10:12–13) • A settled recognition that God alone is Lord, worthy of obedience and worship (Psalm 86:11) How God Puts His Fear in the Heart • Regeneration by the Holy Spirit—new birth produces new affections (Ezekiel 36:26–27) • Illumination through Scripture—truth shapes conscience and conduct (Psalm 19:7–9) • Discipline and providence—life experiences teach trust and respect (Hebrews 12:5–11) • Communion with Christ—the deeper the relationship, the stronger the reverence (John 15:4–5) Why God Does This • So His people “will never turn away” (Jeremiah 32:40) • To secure covenant obedience that flows from the heart, not mere externals (Jeremiah 31:33) • To showcase His goodness and faithfulness (Psalm 130:4 “But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared.”) • To preserve His glory in His people for all generations (Psalm 102:18) Practical Implications for Us Today • Pursue continual exposure to God’s Word—the Spirit uses it to deepen reverence • Welcome conviction as evidence of His covenant love • Cultivate grateful remembrance of God’s goodness; gratitude fuels holy fear • Guard against complacency; holy fear keeps the heart tender and obedient • Live confidently—God Himself secures your perseverance by the fear He implants Connecting Scriptures • Psalm 25:14 “The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.” • Proverbs 14:27 “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1 “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” • Philippians 2:12–13 “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” |
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