The phrase "The One who is to be feared" refers to God, emphasizing His majesty, power, and holiness. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of the fear of the Lord, which is a central theme throughout Scripture. The fear of the Lord is not merely a feeling of dread or terror but a profound reverence and awe for the Creator, recognizing His authority and righteousness.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently speaks of God as the One who is to be feared. In Psalm 76:7, the psalmist declares, "You alone are to be feared. When You are angry, who can stand before You?" . This verse highlights God's unmatched power and the rightful response of reverence from His creation. Similarly, in Psalm 89:7, it is written, "In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him" . These passages underscore the unique and exalted position of God as the supreme being worthy of fear and reverence.

The Fear of the Lord

The fear of the Lord is a multifaceted concept that encompasses respect, awe, and submission to God's will. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline" . This verse indicates that a proper understanding of God and His ways begins with a reverential fear of Him. It is the foundation of wisdom and the guiding principle for righteous living.

In the New Testament, the fear of the Lord continues to be an important theme. In Acts 9:31, the early church is described as "walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit" . This demonstrates that the fear of the Lord is not only an Old Testament concept but also a vital aspect of Christian life and community.

God's Holiness and Justice

The fear of the Lord is closely linked to His holiness and justice. God's holiness sets Him apart from all creation, and His justice ensures that He will judge the world righteously. Isaiah 8:13 exhorts, "The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded" . This passage calls believers to recognize God's holiness and respond with appropriate fear and reverence.

The Fear of the Lord and Obedience

The fear of the Lord is also a motivator for obedience and faithfulness. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 instructs, "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, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD that I am giving you this day for your own good?" . Here, the fear of the Lord is directly connected to a life of obedience and devotion to God.

The Fear of the Lord and Salvation

The fear of the Lord is also related to the understanding of salvation. In Philippians 2:12, Paul urges believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" . This does not imply earning salvation through works but rather living out one's faith with a deep sense of reverence and responsibility before God.

Conclusion

The One who is to be feared is a title that encapsulates the awe-inspiring nature of God. It calls believers to a life of reverence, obedience, and worship, recognizing God's supreme authority and holiness. The fear of the Lord is foundational to a proper relationship with Him, guiding believers in wisdom and righteousness.