The Profound Meaning of 'Fear God'

Revelation 14:7

7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

The "fear of God" is a profound reverence and awe for Him, leading to obedience and a desire to avoid offending Him because of His justice, goodness, and holiness Deuteronomy 5:29+3. This is not a servile or cowardly dread, but rather a filial respect born out of love and a deep understanding of His character.

Let's explore what the Bible reveals about the fear of God:

A Wholesome Reverence and Love

The fear of God is intrinsically linked with love and hope, creating a filial reverence rather than a slavish dread Deuteronomy 5:29. It signifies a deep respect for God's holy character and a careful solicitude to avoid anything that would displease Him Hebrews 12:28. This reverence, far from being tormenting, actually promotes peace, love, and joy in the heart Hebrews 4:1. It's a genuine respect that grows stronger in companionship with these virtues, inspiring faith and leading the soul upward to God.

The psalmist declares that the fear of the Lord is clean and endures forever, and His judgments are true and righteous altogether Psalm 19:9. It is considered the "beginning of wisdom" and the "principal part of wisdom" Psalm 111:10+1. This wisdom isn't found in worldly pursuits but in humbly receiving God's revelations and conforming one's life to His will Job 28:28.

The Foundation of Obedience

The fear of God is the driving force behind keeping His commandments, which is the "whole duty of man" Ecclesiastes 12:13. It is the safeguard for individuals, particularly the young, against the seductive influences of the world and the fiery darts of the adversary Proverbs 7:1-2. When we fear God, we choose companions who encourage good purposes, orderly habits, and uprightness, creating a disgust for anything low, cheap, or disorderly.

For example, Daniel and his companions, when faced with the king's displeasure, made their decision in the fear of God to be true to their fathers' religion, obeying divine law Genesis 42:18. This commitment, fueled by a proper fear of God, brought them strength, comeliness, and intellectual power. Joseph, far from home, kept the fear of God before him and resisted temptation, asking, "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" Genesis 42:18. His steadfastness in keeping God's commandments brought him the Lord's mercy.

Preparing for God's Judgment

The message to "Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come" Revelation 14:7 is a call to awaken to the great sin of rejecting His mercy and to prepare for the investigative judgment that precedes Christ's second coming Revelation 22:12. This message, proclaimed to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" Revelation 14:6, emphasizes the importance of knowing and worshiping the Creator Revelation 14:7.

Those who truly fear God will purify their souls through obedience to the truth, combining vigilant watching with earnest working Malachi 3:16. They understand that while God is merciful and long-suffering Luke 1:50-53, there are limits to His forbearance, and persistent disregard for His law will bring forth His judgments Ecclesiastes 8:11+1. This solemn reality motivates believers to diligently seek Him and make their calling and election sure.

Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is a precious treasure Isaiah 33:5-6, enabling believers to be transformed into His likeness, partaking of the divine nature, and standing in the judgment with confidence, knowing that perfect love casts out all fear 1 John 2:4+1.