Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the fear of God as a restraining force against sin is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This fear is not merely a sense of dread or terror but a profound reverence and awe for the holiness, power, and justice of God. It is this reverential fear that acts as a deterrent to sin, guiding believers to live in accordance with God's commandments and to shun evil.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for understanding how the fear of God restrains sin. In Proverbs 8:13, it is written, "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech." Here, the fear of the Lord is directly associated with a hatred of sin, suggesting that those who truly revere God will naturally turn away from sinful behaviors. 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 idea that fearing God leads to obedience, which in turn restrains sin. The Role of the Law The Mosaic Law also underscores the fear of God as a deterrent to sin. Deuteronomy 6:24 states, "And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as we are this day." The law was given to instill a fear of God that would lead to righteous living and the avoidance of sin. New Testament Insights In the New Testament, the fear of God continues to be a significant theme. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 7:1, exhorts believers, "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Here, the fear of God is linked to the pursuit of holiness and the rejection of sin. The Apostle Peter also emphasizes this concept in 1 Peter 1:17, where he writes, "Since you call on a Father who judges each one's work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners." This reverent fear is a recognition of God's righteous judgment, which motivates believers to live uprightly. The Fear of God in the Life of Jesus Jesus Himself exemplified the fear of God, as seen in His perfect obedience to the Father. Hebrews 5:7 notes, "During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence." Jesus' reverence for the Father was integral to His sinless life, serving as the ultimate model for believers. Practical Implications for Believers For Christians today, the fear of God remains a vital aspect of spiritual life. It is a fear that is rooted in love and respect, leading to a desire to please God and avoid 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." This verse highlights the transformative power of fearing God, which turns individuals away from sin and towards righteousness. In summary, the fear of God is a powerful force that restrains sin by fostering a deep respect for God's holiness and justice. It is a fear that leads to wisdom, obedience, and a life that honors God, as believers seek to align their actions with His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 20:20And Moses said to the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that you sin not. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 4:4 Proverbs 16:6 Library Whether There is Sorrow in the Demons? The Knowledge of God Stifled or Corrupted, Ignorantly or ... But God Wanted not Power to Make Man Such as that He Should Not... God's Barriers against Man's Sin What it is to Know God, --Tendency of this Knowledge. Letter cxlv. (AD 412 or 413. ) Open Sins "Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from ... How those who Fear Scourges and those who Contemn them are to be ... A Further Thanksgiving to God for the Change in the Late ... Resources What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgThe Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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