Definition and Importance

Natural life, as understood within the biblical context, refers to the earthly existence of human beings, encompassing the span from birth to death. This life is a gift from God and is to be lived in accordance with His divine will and purpose. The fear of God is a central theme in Scripture, emphasizing reverence, awe, and obedience to the Creator. Living in the fear of God is not merely an emotional response but a guiding principle that shapes one's actions, decisions, and overall lifestyle.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently underscores the importance of living in the fear of God. In Ecclesiastes 12:13, the Preacher concludes, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind" . This verse encapsulates the essence of a life lived in reverence to God, highlighting obedience to His commandments as the fundamental duty of humanity.

Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" . This passage indicates that true wisdom and understanding are rooted in a proper reverence for God. The fear of God is not only the starting point of wisdom but also the foundation upon which a righteous life is built.

Practical Implications

Living in the fear of God involves a conscious effort to align one's life with God's will. This includes:

1. Obedience to God's Commandments: As seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk 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?" . Obedience is a tangible expression of reverence for God.

2. Pursuit of Righteousness: Proverbs 14:2 declares, "He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the devious in his ways despises Him" . A life spent in the fear of God is marked by integrity and moral uprightness.

3. Avoidance of Sin: The fear of God acts as a deterrent against sin. Proverbs 16:6 states, "By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil" . Reverence for God motivates believers to shun sinful behaviors and seek holiness.

4. Trust in God's Sovereignty: Psalm 115:11 encourages, "You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield" . Trusting in God's sovereignty and provision is a natural outcome of fearing Him.

Examples from Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who lived in the fear of God:

· Job: Described as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1), Job's life exemplifies the blessings and trials of living in reverence to God.

· Joseph: In Genesis 39:9, Joseph resists temptation, saying, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" . His fear of God guided his actions even in difficult circumstances.

· Daniel: Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of persecution, demonstrates a life lived in the fear of God (Daniel 6:10).

Theological Significance

The fear of God is not merely an Old Testament concept but is reiterated in the New Testament. 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 indicates that the fear of God is integral to the Christian life, fostering spiritual growth and community strength.

In summary, natural life should be spent in the fear of God, characterized by obedience, righteousness, avoidance of sin, and trust in God's sovereignty. This reverence is foundational to a life that honors God and fulfills His purposes.1 Peter 1:17
And if you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

To Gregory xi
... those who are very tender and pitiful in their natural affections, and ... on account
of bodily or temporal harm, even should life itself be spent: for had ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to gregory xi 5.htm

The Life of Mr. John Welch.
... but also of a strong and robust natural constitution, otherwise he ... painfulness, his
answer was, He had his life of God, and therefore it should be spent for ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 5.htm

Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual ...
... with God, and so of rendering your life more pleasant ... a human creature upon earth
whom I should not delight ... I had given in it would appear most natural in its ...
/.../chapter xix some more particular.htm

Book I.
... so long as his bodily strength allowed, spent his life ... same time, although the use
of natural life does not ... it is written that private grief should cease in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book i.htm

Early Impressions. Dangerous Books and Companions. The Saint is ...
... no trace was left of my soul's natural disposition to ... were brought up, though their
way of life was not so ... was married, it was not fitting I should remain alone ...
/.../the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter ii early impressions dangerous.htm

Sowing in the Wind, Reaping under Clouds
... has commanded his people not to fear; then we should obey him. ... God save you from
living a merely natural life! ... If the life of God be in you, then you shall go ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/sowing in the wind reaping.htm

Religion not Godliness
... ever drew, every cheerful hour you ever spent, every good ... because I see them producing
their natural fruits in ... find that he who loses his life should save it. ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon ii religion not godliness.htm

Of the Origin, Life, Reign, Name and Death of Jupiter, and of ...
... man; but in the case of that natural Jupiter, led ... on earth, it only remains that
we should also investigate ... provided them with a settled mode of life and corn ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xi of the origin life.htm

The Friend Whose Years do not Fail. Rev. W. Arthur, MA
... For us to speak of our "years" is natural, but when we ... thy sin, seek mercy and follow
Him in the way of life. ... as if he could not bear that he should look him ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the friend whose years do.htm

John Calvin. His Life and Character.
... He remained a widower the rest of his life. ... of Strasburg, says Beza, stipulated that
he should always remain ... the people, and who with such natural timidity and ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 56 john calvin his.htm

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