Daily, men and women are finding themselves in positions where they are being forced to make choices between good and evil. These decisions could potentially be life altering. For example, a teacher in Virginia had to go to court to be reinstated in his teaching position.  His employment had been terminated because he refused to call a student by their "preferred pronoun".  We are being told that if we do not 'conform to' and 'accept' ideas which are blatantly in opposition to God's Word, that there will be consequences.  We are called 'haters' and 'intolerant' if we do not agree with men or women in a position of influence and authority, who have a propensity toward evil.  What do we do with this?  How do we handle it?

 Matthew 10:28 (NLT), "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell."  The Greek word for "fear" is phobeo.  This word has various meanings.  The meaning is determined by the context of the verse.  The meaning of "fear" in this verse means:  to be in a panic that grips a person, causing him to run away, be alarmed, scared, frightened or filled with dread.  The word "destroy" means to put out of the way entirely, abolish or put an end to.  Metaphorically, in this verse, it means to devote or give over to eternal misery in hell.

 Luke 12:4 and 5, "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 "But I will show you whom you should fear: fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!"

 James 4:12a (NLT), "God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy..."

 Proverbs 29:25 and 26, "The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe (set securely on high). 26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord."

 Charles Spurgeon is quoted as saying, "There is no cure for the fear of man like the fear of God."  Proverbs 1:7 reads, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  The Hebrew meaning of the word "knowledge" is discernment, understanding and wisdom.  The Hebrew for "fool" means, one who despises wisdom and discipline (from Brown-Driver-Briggs Lexicon)

 We need to understand that in discussing the fear of God, that there are two types of fear that are involved.  Reverential fear or awe as expressed by some of the commentators is that affectionate reverence by which the child of God bends himself humbly and carefully to his Father's law. (Bridges).  According to Ross, the fear of God ultimately expresses reverential submission to the Lord's will and thus characterizes a true worshiper.  We see examples of this type of 'fear' in the following verses:

 Psalm 25:12-14, "Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. 13 He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. 14 The secret (counsel, intimacy)  of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant."

 Psalm 31:19 and 20, "Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! 20 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues."

 These verses enumerate such wonderful benefits the Lord has for those who have reverential fear for Him.

 There is another 'fear of God' that we need to be aware of and understand.  That is the fear of God we have, when we realize there are consequences for not obeying Him.  We experience God's goodness, love, kindness, patience, care, and giving.  However, He is a holy God who's nature and character necessitates justice. 

 2 Corinthians 5:10, (NLT) "For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body."

 The best way to describe this requirement of justice from God, is to express it through His Word.  The Scriptures read:

 Romans 1:18, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness."

 Ephesians 5:1-7,"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath (that in God which stands opposed to man's disobedience, and sin and manifests itself in punishing the same) of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them."

 1 Peter 1:17, "And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear"

 Romans 14:12, "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God."

 1 Peter 4:4 and 5, "In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead."

 Romans 2:4-6, "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who 'will render to each one according to his deeds.' "

 These scriptures do not contradict the gospel of salvation, which is a free gift that cannot be earned.  However, we must understand that a day of judgment is coming, for everyone.  Unbelievers will be judged for their sins and unwillingness to acknowledge Christ as the Messiah, the perfect sacrifice required for their sins.  The believers who have been freely forgiven of their sins, because of Christ's work, will be given degrees of reward in heaven according to their actions in this life. We see this truth in the following verses:

1 Corinthians 3: 9-15, " For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

 Hebrews 12:28 and 29," Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire."

 Ecclesiastes 12:13 and 14, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil."

 Understanding the truth presented in this blog is vital for Christians today.  We must recognize that the earthly leaders and many of the new laws, which we are expected to submit to, are contrary to the Word and will of God.  We must not be willing to compromise our relationship with God because of our fear of man.  We will all face the judgment seat of God and give an account.

 There is only One whose judgment matters, only One we must please...our Creator and the lover of our soul.