Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionGodly fear, often synonymous with reverence and awe, is a profound respect for the majesty and holiness of God. It is a central theme in the Bible, encouraging believers to live in a manner that honors God. This entry explores the motives for godly fear, particularly focusing on the greatness of God as revealed in Scripture. The Majesty of God The greatness of God is a foundational motive for godly fear. The Bible frequently emphasizes God's majesty and power, which inspire awe and reverence. In Psalm 145:3 , it is declared, "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable." This verse highlights the incomprehensible nature of God's greatness, which calls for a response of reverent fear. God's Sovereignty God's sovereignty is another aspect of His greatness that motivates godly fear. He is the supreme ruler over all creation, orchestrating events according to His divine will. In Isaiah 46:9-10 , God declares, "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come." This sovereignty demands a humble acknowledgment of His authority and a reverent submission to His will. The Holiness of God The holiness of God is a profound aspect of His greatness that elicits godly fear. God's holiness sets Him apart from all creation, and His purity and righteousness are unmatched. In Isaiah 6:3 , the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This vision of God's holiness led Isaiah to a deep sense of unworthiness and reverence, illustrating the natural response to encountering God's holy presence. God's Power and Might The power and might of God are further motives for godly fear. God's ability to create, sustain, and govern the universe is a testament to His unparalleled strength. In Jeremiah 10:12 , it is written, "He made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding." Recognizing God's omnipotence fosters a sense of awe and respect, urging believers to live in accordance with His commands. God's Justice and Righteousness God's justice and righteousness are integral to His greatness and inspire godly fear. He is the ultimate judge, executing justice with perfect fairness. In Psalm 97:2 , it is stated, "Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne's foundation." The awareness of God's just nature encourages believers to live righteously, knowing that they are accountable to a holy and just God. God's Love and Mercy While God's greatness often evokes fear through His power and holiness, His love and mercy also inspire a reverent fear. God's compassion and grace are aspects of His greatness that draw believers to Him in awe. In Psalm 103:11 , it is expressed, "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him." This verse highlights the reciprocal relationship between godly fear and experiencing God's love, motivating believers to revere Him with gratitude and devotion. Conclusion The greatness of God, as revealed through His majesty, sovereignty, holiness, power, justice, and love, serves as a profound motive for godly fear. This reverence is not merely an emotional response but a call to live in a manner that honors and glorifies God, acknowledging His supreme authority and infinite worth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 10:12,17And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Treatise of the Fear of God; Ananias and Sapphira. Motives from the Benefits of Work Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. The Eternal Punishment of the Wicked Reconciled with the Goodness ... The Greatness of the Soul, The Message Heeded Divine Destruction and Protection More and More How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest. Resources What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.org Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: David Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Job, According to the Testimony of Satan Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Jonah, During the Storm Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Noah, in Preparing the Ark Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Jews, in Obeying the Voice of the Lord Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Women at the Grave Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Adam and Eve Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Demons Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Judas Fear of God: Guilty Fear: The Guards at Jesus' Tomb Fear of God: Hezekiah, in his Treatment of the Prophet Micah, Who Prophesied Harm Against Jerusalem Fear of God: Jacob, in the Vision of the Ladder, and the Covenant of God Fear of God: Obadiah, in Sheltering One-Hundred Prophets Against the Wrath of Jezebel Fear of God: Phinehas, in Turning Away the Anger of God at the Time of the Plague Fear of God: The Egyptians, at the Time of the Plague of Thunder and Hail and Fire Fear of God: The Midwives of Egypt, in Refusing to Take the Lives of the Hebrew Children Fear of God: The Nine and One-Half Tribes of Israel West of the Jordan River Godly Fear: A Characteristic of Saints Godly Fear: A Fountain of Life Godly Fear: A Treasure to Saints Godly Fear: Filial and Reverential Godly Fear: God is the Author of Godly Fear: God is the Object of Godly Fear: Motives to Judgments of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Forgiveness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Goodness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Greatness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Holiness of God Godly Fear: Motives to Wondrous Works of God Godly Fear: Necessary to Avoiding of Sin Godly Fear: Necessary to Impartial Administration of Justice Godly Fear: Necessary to Perfecting Holiness Godly Fear: Necessary to Righteous Government Godly Fear: Necessary to The Service of God Godly Fear: Necessary to The Worship of God Godly Fear: Searching the Scriptures Gives the Understanding of Godly Fear: should Accompany the Joy of Saints Godly Fear: should be Constantly Maintained Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Giving a Reason for Our Hope Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Our Callings Godly Fear: should be Prayed For Godly Fear: should be Taught to Others Godly Fear: The Wicked Destitute of Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Accepted of God Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Blessed Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Pitied by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Afford Pleasure to God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Confide in God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Converse Together of Holy Things Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Days of, Prolonged Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Depart from Evil Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Desires of, Fulfilled by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Receive Mercy from God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: should not Fear Man Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Future Punishment Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Idols Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Judgments Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Man Unholy Fear is Described as Consuming Unholy Fear is Described as Overwhelming Unholy Fear: A Characteristic of the Wicked Unholy Fear: A Guilty Conscience Leads To Unholy Fear: Adonijah's Guests Unholy Fear: Exhortations Against Unholy Fear: Saints Delivered From Unholy Fear: Saints Sometimes Tempted To Unholy Fear: Seizes the Wicked Unholy Fear: Shall be Realised Unholy Fear: Surprises the Hypocrite Unholy Fear: The Wicked Judicially Filled With Unholy Fear: Trust in God, a Preservative From Related Terms |
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