Topical Bible: God: To be Reverenced

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The concept of reverencing God is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the awe, respect, and honor due to the Creator. Reverence for God is not merely an emotional response but a fundamental aspect of the believer's relationship with Him, reflecting a profound acknowledgment of His holiness, majesty, and authority.

Biblical Foundation

The call to reverence God is woven throughout Scripture, beginning with the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 10:12, Moses exhorts the Israelites: "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul." Here, the fear of the Lord is synonymous with reverence, encompassing obedience, love, and service.

The Psalms frequently echo this theme. Psalm 89:7 declares, "In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him." This verse highlights the reverence God commands even among the heavenly beings, underscoring His supreme authority and holiness.

Reverence in Worship

Reverence is a central element of worship, as seen in the practices and attitudes prescribed in Scripture. Hebrews 12:28-29 instructs believers: "Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire." This passage links reverence with gratitude and the recognition of God's consuming holiness, urging believers to approach Him with the utmost respect.

The prophet Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6:1-5 provides a vivid depiction of reverence in worship. Isaiah witnesses the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, surrounded by seraphim proclaiming His holiness. Overwhelmed by the vision, Isaiah is acutely aware of his own unworthiness, exemplifying the reverent response to God's majestic presence.

Reverence in Daily Life

Reverence for God extends beyond formal worship into every aspect of life. Proverbs 3:5-7 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil." This passage connects reverence with trust, humility, and moral integrity, indicating that acknowledging God in all things is a form of reverence.

The New Testament reinforces this holistic view of reverence. In 1 Peter 1:17, believers are reminded, "Since you call on a Father who judges each one's work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners." Here, reverence is linked to the awareness of God's impartial judgment and the transient nature of earthly life, encouraging a lifestyle that honors God.

Reverence and the Fear of the Lord

The biblical concept of the "fear of the Lord" is closely associated with reverence. This fear is not a paralyzing dread but a profound respect and awe for God's power and righteousness. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Reverence, therefore, is foundational to wisdom and understanding, guiding believers in their pursuit of a godly life.

Conclusion

Reverence for God is a central theme in Scripture, calling believers to honor Him in worship, daily conduct, and the pursuit of wisdom. It is an acknowledgment of His holiness, authority, and love, shaping the believer's relationship with the Creator and influencing every aspect of life.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 20:7
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain.
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Deuteronomy 5:11
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain.
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Deuteronomy 28:58
If you will not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;
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Psalm 111:9
He sent redemption to his people: he has commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
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Micah 4:5
For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.
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1 Timothy 6:1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
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Library

The Rash Builder
... A prison; a mere garden-house of lustful delights; or a temple fortress in
which God may dwell reverenced, and you may abide restful? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the rash builder.htm

The King to be Honoured, God to be Worshipped.
... then, to me, "Why do you not worship the king?" Because he is not made to be worshipped,
but to be reverenced with lawful honour, for he is not a god, but a ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xi the king to be.htm

"Rabbi," Says Nicodemus to Christ, "We Know that Thou Art a ...
... must be said of the scripture teaching in ink and paper; it is a teacher come from
God, and therefore fully to be believed, highly reverenced, and strictly ...
/.../address 70 0 0 rabbi says nicodemus.htm

Of Sacrifice, and of an Offering Worthy of God, and of the Form of ...
... How much better and more truly does Seneca speak: "Will you think of God as great
and placid, and a friend to be reverenced with gentle majesty, and always at ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxv of sacrifice and of.htm

The Testimonies of the Philosophers to the Unity of God.
... the name of Trismegistus, who preceded the philosophers in the antiquity of his
doctrine, and who is reverenced by the Egyptians as a god, in asserting the ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap iv the testimonies of the.htm

Ephesians iv. 1, 2
... On this account then they were saved, because they sang praises to God. The fire
reverenced their readiness to suffer and afterwards it reverenced that ...
/.../homily viii ephesians iv 1.htm

Of Religion.
... not feared is despised, and that which is despised is plainly not reverenced. ... Whether,
therefore, you take away from God kindness, or anger, or both, religion ...
/.../a treatise on the anger of god addressed to donatus/chap viii of religion.htm

The Gnostic a True Worshipper of God, and Unjustly Calumniated by ...
... and that worship meet for God is followed by loving and being loved by God. ... of all;
not capable of expression by the voice, but to be reverenced with reverence ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter i the gnostic a true.htm

What God Hath Cleansed
... He was drawn to the Jews' religion, had adopted their hours of prayer, reverenced
their God, had therefore cast off idolatry, gave alms to the people as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/what god hath cleansed.htm

Now You May See what it is to be a Son of God More Clearly
... Now you may see what it is to be a Son of God more clearly. ... He wills and commands
that it should be reverenced of all, and takes pleasure to see it admired in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/traherne/centuries of meditations/70 now you may see.htm