The fear of God carries a profound drawing power that shapes our relationship with Him. It spans from sheer terror to a deep, abiding reverence, always maintaining an edge that prevents us from becoming overly familiar or taking His ways for granted. This fear is not merely a reaction but a transformative force that draws us closer to Him by prompting us to depart from evil. When we respect Him through this fear, He sees our reverence and reciprocates by drawing near to us, fostering a relationship of peace and union. This fear serves as the first line of defense, protecting us from profaning His name or tarnishing the image of His church, while also shielding us from pain and death. It creates the foundation upon which faith, hope, and love can fully flourish, as it separates us from the evil that distances us from Him. The fear of God also produces practical fruit in our lives, linking closely with concepts like concern, respect, reverence, and honor, all of which reflect the high value we place on our relationship with Him. This value compels us to nurture and protect that bond, ensuring it remains vibrant and growing. God desires to be feared, and He will employ whatever means necessary to instill this fear in us, even if it requires bringing us to a place of trembling awe. While He does not wish to lead us through terror, He has the power to do so if needed to gain our attention. For those who fear Him by placing immense value on all He has done and will do for us, He responds with an endless stream of spiritual blessings, a spirit of grace that empowers and sustains us. The fear of God is essential for a balanced understanding of Him, complementing His love to prevent misconceptions or perversions of His grace. It must remain present and operational alongside love, hope, and faith, working together to guide us in serving Him acceptably with reverence. This fear is not something we possess by nature; it must be learned through a lifelong process of understanding Him, growing as we submit to Him, depart from evil, and honor Him in our daily lives.

The fear of the Lord is a cornerstone of Christianity, a vital motivator that draws us toward growth and a true witness for God. It is not an instinct or something born into us, but a learned response that begins only when God calls us into a relationship with Him. A degree of knowing Him is essential to rightly fear Him, as this fear unlocks the treasuries of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. It is the foundation of true knowledge concerning God's purpose and will, serving as the key to deeper understanding and a stronger bond with Him. Unlike fears that torment and should be shunned, the fear of the Lord inclines us toward fellowship with Him. It encompasses awe at His greatness, respect for His Fatherhood, and a recognition of His sovereignty that leads to obedience. Far from being negative, this fear is entirely good, drawing us closer to God and motivating us to honor Him. It is a powerful force that, as seen in Noah, moves us to obey God's commands, demonstrating its importance in a Christian's life. The fear of the Lord must be cultivated, as it does not come naturally and requires us to know Him intimately. Without this personal relationship, respect and reverence for Him remain elusive. When we fail to fear Him, as illustrated by the tragic example of Aaron's sons, we risk dishonoring Him and facing His justice. Their failure to respect God's prescribed manner of worship led to their destruction, showing that God demands honor on His terms, not ours. This fear also involves reciprocity in our relationship with God. If we do not respect Him, He will not draw near to us. Respecting and fearing Him is the doorway to all the blessings He offers, and without it, we cannot even approach the treasures He holds. God does not come where He is not reverenced, emphasizing that our approach to Him must be one of deep respect and submission to His will.

The fear of God is a powerful force that draws us closer to Him, shaping our relationship with the Divine. It is not merely a soft reverence or respect, but a profound dread and terror that acknowledges His holiness, justice, and omnipotence. This fear is the beginning of knowledge, the chief part of true wisdom, and the essence of genuine religion, compelling us to recognize His power which none can resist, His justice which none can satisfy, and His wisdom which none can attain. This fear is not a natural instinct but a gift instilled by God, a recognition that compels acceptance and submission. It drives us to react, to turn toward Him rather than away, even as it stirs dread within us. Unlike worldly fears that cause us to flee, the fear of God motivates us to run to Him as a sanctuary, a place of safety. It urges us to take Him, His Son, and His purpose into account in every aspect of life, until His way becomes ingrained in our hearts. The fear of God is fundamental to salvation, a motive for strenuous effort to avoid the consequences of sin, such as the fiery judgment of the Lake of Fire. It causes us to react with intensity proportional to the fear, pushing us to make choices aligned with His will, choices we would not make without this fear. It is a choice to depart from evil, to hate sin, and to live a godly life, evidencing an inward disposition through outward conduct. Without this fear, knowledge becomes an instrument of destruction, as seen in the world around us, filled with violence and suffering despite vast human understanding. The fear of God is the missing ingredient that transforms knowledge into true wisdom, leading to a life that pleases Him. It puts all other fears into perspective, guiding us to fear the right things and to submit to His way, which is the substance of true religion. Thus, the fear of God draws us to Him, ensuring we do not take His judgment lightly, and remains an essential element of godly character vital to our salvation.

The fear of God holds a profound drawing power, pulling us closer to Him in a way that defies our natural inclination to flee from fear. This fear is not a terror that repels, but a reverence that attracts, fostering unity among those who respect His Word. Those who trembled at His command, like the 120 who waited in Jerusalem as instructed by Jesus Christ, experienced the divine order and the revelation of His glory, as seen on the Day of Pentecost when tongues of fire rested upon them. This fear ensures we do not drift away from Him, acting as the first line of defense against sin, keeping us from taking Him for granted or growing contemptuous of His commands. In contrast, a lack of this holy fear leads to deception and sin, as seen with Ananias and Sapphira, who valued the praise of men over truth before God. Their actions, driven by a greater fear of human opinion than of Him, resulted in swift judgment, instilling great fear in the church and serving as a stark reminder of His holiness. This fear of God is not to be cast aside as immature but works in harmony with love, strengthening it by ensuring we hate evil and avoid sin, thus allowing love to flourish. This reverence is essential for our spiritual growth, molding us into His image as we head toward holiness through sanctification. It is a positive force, a key to the treasures of God, motivating us to serve Him by respecting His authority and avoiding foolish actions. The fear of God, as exemplified in the immediate judgments on Nadab and Abihu or Ananias and Sapphira, contrasts with His patience in times of spiritual darkness, yet His judgment remains sure, even if delayed. This balance of fear and love draws us ever closer to Him, ensuring we remain on our best behavior and attitudes to please Him, strengthening our relationship without hindering love.