Topical Bible: Godly Fear: Motives to The Forgiveness of God

◄ Godly Fear: Motives to The Forgiveness of God ►

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Godly fear, often understood as a reverent awe and respect for the Almighty, is a foundational aspect of the believer's relationship with God. It is not a fear that drives one away, but rather a profound respect that draws one closer to the Creator, recognizing His holiness, justice, and mercy. This reverence is intricately connected to the understanding and reception of God's forgiveness, as it shapes the believer's motives and attitudes towards repentance and divine grace.

The Nature of Godly Fear

Godly fear is rooted in the recognition of God's supreme authority and holiness. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is not terror but a deep respect that acknowledges God's power and righteousness. It is the acknowledgment of God's rightful place as the sovereign ruler of the universe and the moral order He has established.

Motives to Seek Forgiveness

1. Recognition of Sinfulness: Godly fear leads to an awareness of one's own sinfulness and the need for divine forgiveness. Isaiah, upon encountering the holiness of God, exclaimed, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5). This recognition compels the believer to seek God's mercy and forgiveness, understanding that sin separates humanity from a holy God.

2. Desire for Reconciliation: The fear of the Lord fosters a desire for reconciliation with God. Psalm 130:4 declares, "But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared." The psalmist acknowledges that God's forgiveness is a motive for reverence, as it restores the broken relationship between God and humanity. This reconciliation is not only desired but is essential for a life lived in harmony with God's will.

3. Understanding of Divine Justice: Godly fear encompasses an understanding of God's justice and the consequences of sin. Romans 6:23 reminds believers, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The awareness of divine justice motivates the believer to seek forgiveness, knowing that God's grace through Jesus Christ offers redemption from the penalty of sin.

4. Appreciation of God's Mercy: The fear of the Lord is intertwined with an appreciation of His mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23 states, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" This understanding of God's continual mercy encourages believers to approach Him with confidence, seeking forgiveness with the assurance of His compassionate nature.

5. Commitment to Obedience: Godly fear inspires a commitment to obedience and a transformed life. Philippians 2:12 urges believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." This exhortation reflects the believer's response to God's forgiveness—a life dedicated to following His commandments and living in accordance with His will.

The Role of Jesus Christ

Central to the believer's understanding of godly fear and forgiveness is the role of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ provides the means by which forgiveness is made available. Hebrews 10:19-22 encourages believers to "draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith," recognizing that through Christ, they have access to God's grace and forgiveness. The fear of the Lord, therefore, is not only a motive to seek forgiveness but also a response to the redemptive work of Christ, leading to a life of gratitude and devotion.

In summary, godly fear serves as a profound motivator for seeking the forgiveness of God. It encompasses a recognition of sin, a desire for reconciliation, an understanding of divine justice, an appreciation of God's mercy, and a commitment to obedience. Through the lens of godly fear, believers are drawn to the forgiving nature of God, ultimately finding peace and restoration in His presence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 130:4
But there is forgiveness with you, that you may be feared.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... comfort him, and to preach unto him the forgiveness of sin ... of eternal damnation for
sin, and this fear, at first awakening, is good and godly, because it ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Letter iv. On the Reading and Study of the Holy Scriptures
... of God but with feelings of reverence and godly fear. ... of his life, and inquire after
his motives. ... love, meekness, pity, compassion, tenderness, forgiveness, &c ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter iv on the reading.htm

One Thing is Needful;
... and proved to be bad, not arising from evangelical motives; while all ... cause, though
we infirm are found, That mercy and forgiveness doth abound ... OF GODLY FEAR.]. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm

The Message Heeded
... For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be ... yea, what indignation,
yea, what fear, yea, what ... had not been prompted by selfish motives, for his ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 31 the message heeded.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Fear of God, best stays lust, [624]316, [625]345 ... Filthy talking, inconsistent with
a godly mind, [634]283 ... Forgiveness, possible to all, many ways of attaining it ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ...
... of law, or works grounded on legal motives, have anything ... elements melt, you need
not tremble, nor fear for enemies ... and melt his heart in the most godly sorrow ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/knowing that a man is.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... 901]384; full of joy to the godly, [902]461 ... to the ills of others, [1213]462; fear
of, the ... we avenge, [1216]475; like a friend in requiring forgiveness of others ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

The Great Assize
... And that the godly will not be exempted from this ... are, the righteous have no reason
to fear coming into ... Our motives, our heart sins, especially, our hatred of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the great assize.htm

Paul Before the Council.
... of his conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not ... of the purity of our
motives, will support ... is a preservative from remorse and fear, two inmates ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvi paul before the.htm

Solitude, Silence, Submission
... How often may even godly and gracious people talk upon some ... hast either spoilt it
by thy selfish motives before it ... that I railed upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/solitude silence submission.htm