(Note:I had originally opened this in this forum, but had a quote from a different forum, so this topic was appropriately moved by the moderator to another forum. I'm reposting this without the quote, in case there are those who would like to comment on this topic.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I thought this would make for an interesting topic.

Is fear (as in being afraid, not respect) of God a good thing? Should our fear of God increase or decrease as we get to know Him more? Does fear impact our relationship with God or our ability to love or trust Him?

What does the record show of how well fear has worked in the past as a motivating factor?

I am importing these posts from the other forum:

.......

Yes, I believe being afraid of God is appropriate. We should be afraid of continuing in sin because God will punish and destroy us in the lake of fire if we refuse salvation in Jesus.

Revelation
14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Hebrews
10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
10:31 [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

2 Peter
2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

.........

SC 21, 22
Motives stronger, and agencies more powerful, could never be brought into operation; the exceeding rewards for right-doing, the enjoyment of heaven, the society of the angels, the communion and love of God and His Son, the elevation and extension of all our powers throughout eternal ages--are these not mighty incentives and encouragements to urge us to give the heart's loving service to our Creator and Redeemer? {SC 21.3}

And, on the other hand, the judgments of God pronounced against sin, the inevitable retribution, the degradation of our character, and the final destruction, are presented in God's word to warn us against the service of Satan. {SC 21.4}

........

Fear is fine. Being afraid is right. God isn't somebody you want as an enemy. He's too big and powerful to upset. Although God doesn't get mad or even like sinners do He is, nevertheless, very capable of making a man wish he hadn't rejected His Son. God makes a way better friend and ally. Being on His good side is way more better for Him and us.

I am not feeling the "being afraid of God" thing... that is not what he wants.... likewise, fear as a motivator is short lived.... anyone who has more than one child knows that.... Mountain Man I hear what you are saying, and if it works for you, fine, but to me, naw.... you don't want to be around a person or a being that you fear, in fact most things or people that we fear we usually get as far away from them as we can.... consequently what would an eternity be like if you were with or around a being that you feared? Not pleasant....

MM, it was the other post I had in mind. Your post #85574. Would you repost that here as well?

Thanks,

Tom

Tom, are you referring to the last paragraph in my post above?

Steve, people who are not walking in the Spirit and mind of the new man should fear God. They have every reason to fear Him. While I'm abiding in Christ I do not fear my heavenly Father. I have no reason to fear Him.

Matthew
10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Yes, thanks. I missed that.

I think the following from the Bible says it all:

Quote:

---

1 John 4:18 KJV There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

---

This Bible verse also tells me that fear is not a good thing.