• Welcome to Religious Forums, a friendly forum to discuss all religions in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to the following site features:
    • Reply to discussions and create your own threads.
    • Our modern chat room. No add-ons or extensions required, just login and start chatting!
    • Access to private conversations with other members.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon!

The Fear of God (Productive)

The Fear of God (Productive)


Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.


One of the biggest reasons for the situation that the world has currently found itself in, and will find itself in, can be traced to man’s increasing impudence. This disregard for others, stems from the fact that those who are supposed to be the salt of the earth, are no longer taught to fear God. Everything that their teachers have taught them about the fear of God is antithetical to
the Scriptures. They have taught them that there is no need to fear God, while the Scriptures teach that He must be feared (Eccles.12:13,Rev. 14:7). They teach that the fear of God is negative, while the Scriptures teach otherwise (Prov. 9:10, Psalm 19:9, Prov. 22:4).

The truth about God’s fiery wrath is no longer taught in many places of worship. Instead, in an attempt to increase their coffers, the pharisaic teachers have chosen to concentrate on teaching a transmogrified view about God’s love. These pharisaic teachings have contributed to the lack of awareness that is prevalent in many of those who are in the community. These Pharisees have not yet realised that when they teach the love of God without the wrath, they are presenting a false image about the Creator. To present one side of a story for gain without presenting the other is called lying. To present the New Testament without the Old Testament is to misrepresent God. Without both books one cannot truly receive a true picture of who God really is.

Believers must begin to understand that all fear is not the same. Fear is not always negative. It comes in different types, levels, shapes and forms. It can be constructive and productive, or it can be destructive and nonproductive. Fear can lead to life or it can lead to death.

All fears have similar characteristics. And as a result of these similar characteristics, they are oftentimes hard to distinguish. All have the ability to hinder, impede, restrain, and check. And at the same time all have the power to control, lead and direct. Since they all have these similar characteristics, One has to look closely in order to distinguish the constructive from the destructive. In order to accomplish this, One has to distinguish what the fear hinders, impedes, restrains, and checks. And by distinguishing these actions, one can determine the fear.

The first type, which we shall discuss is the most unfamiliar. These fears are classified as Productive or Constructive Fears. A Productive Fear is the type of fear which all Believers should have of God. Those fears which are Productive are logical, healthy and promote well being. They are unlike the lack of Productive Fear which is illogical, unhealthy and destroys well being. We shall discuss this later. As we have stated, fears can be identified by what they hinder, impede, restrain, and check. Productive Fears tend to hinder, impede, restrain, and check Death. While they are doing these things, they are simultaneously controlling, leading, and directing One to Life. Productive Fears accomplish this feat in two steps.

First, by awakening and heightening One’s awareness, it awakes and arouses the Body to the established guidelines and boundaries which surround its Life. Many of these guidelines and boundaries which surround life can not be known without Productive Fear.

Secondly, as it awakens and heightens One’s awareness, Productive Fear begins to increase the Body’s ability to judge correctly. Finally, as a result of the heightened awareness and the increased ability to judge correctly, God’s established guidelines and boundaries will not be violated.

For example, the fear of a heart attack does not stop one from eating. First, the fear increases an individual’s awareness regarding their life and the foods that they consume. If they were not already aware, it will teach them that there are deadly repercussions for their actions and inactions. Secondly, from this increase in awareness, there will arise guidelines and boundaries. This means that because of the fear of a heart attack, an individual is now aware of the boundaries and guidelines which surround their health and life. These boundaries and guidelines are already present, but without the heart attack, they may not be realised. Finally, as a result of these guidelines, the individual or individuals may now choose to live within those boundaries and guidelines in order to improve their health and prolong their life. Or they can choose to ignore these boundaries and guideline and continue on their way to death.

If you will look at the story of Adam and his wife, you will see the first example of Productive Fear in action. After placing Adam in Eden, the first thing that God does is he prolongs Adam’s life. He accomplishes this by making him aware of the guidelines and boundaries which surrounds his person. This is done by instructing Adam about the consequences of his actions (Gen. 2:16-17). As a result of this knowledge, Adam is now aware of his boundaries. The path of his life and destiny are now left in his hand. He can decide to live or he can decide to die. Out of fear of the consequences of death he will stay away from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. By doing this, his Productive Fear will continue to lead him to life. If he does not fear the consequences which were set before him, then he can choose to partake of that tree and die.

If you will take special notice; you will see that as long as there is the Productive fear of death, Adam does not partake of the tree.
Later on, we shall see that when this fear is removed, he partakes of the tree, and is relegated to death.

Therefore contrary to today’s popular doctrine, the fear of God is constructive and necessary. The ignorance of this fear has caused many problems. It has brought about the tribulation of Believers, and it has put the world on its current collision course with the armies of heaven. As the Scriptures accurately state, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
Productive Fear is there to improve and prolong man’s life. First, by heightening the awareness of the Believer, it begins their ascent to godly wisdom. It opens their awareness to the first fundamental law of God’s universe, the Law of cause and effect. It helps them to wake up to the fact that in this reality there are consequences for your actions. Secondly, as a result of their heightened awareness, the fear of God helps Believers to comprehend the guidelines and boundaries which surround life. When adhered to these guidelines and boundaries will prolong their lives. Finally, Productive Fears alerts man to the fact that their lives and destinies are in their hands. They can choose to leave the tree of the knowledge of good and evil alone, and live. Or they can choose to eat of its fruit and die.

“
You have the right to remain ignorant and refuse to gain knowledge.
Anything that you don’t know can and has been used against you in the court of Life
“


Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.


Revelation 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, FearGod, 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.










 

Mystic-als

Active Member
Why such an interest in stopping death. Death isn't bad. God created life and death. God created from within himself by speaking the words of creation. Then it follows that inside God is death. Paul said something about being absent from the body is to be present with Christ (foot-note: doesn't say Jesus). And that it might be better for him to be dead. But better for his people to alive. So he chose to stay alive a little more. The bible never says to be fearful of death.

I like your use of fear as both constructive and detructive. nice one! But what about "For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind."
I'm playing with words but it may be important. Does fear mean to be scared. Or to respect. Or something else. It seems that the bases of this article is the scripture The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Parafrased - Its wise to respect god. Or be scared of God and you get wise.

Replace the words "fear" with "respect" in the above red scriptures and re-read them. or replace "fear" with "be afraid of" in the above red scriptures and re-read them.
Which makes more sense?

Just some questions NOT an attack at all.0
 

michel

Administrator Emeritus
Staff member
ticandy said:
Why such an interest in stopping death. Death isn't bad. God created life and death. God created from within himself by speaking the words of creation. Then it follows that inside God is death. Paul said something about being absent from the body is to be present with Christ (foot-note: doesn't say Jesus). And that it might be better for him to be dead. But better for his people to alive. So he chose to stay alive a little more. The bible never says to be fearful of death.

I like your use of fear as both constructive and detructive. nice one! But what about "For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind."
I'm playing with words but it may be important. Does fear mean to be scared. Or to respect. Or something else. It seems that the bases of this article is the scripture The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Parafrased - Its wise to respect god. Or be scared of God and you get wise.

Replace the words "fear" with "respect" in the above red scriptures and re-read them. or replace "fear" with "be afraid of" in the above red scriptures and re-read them.
Which makes more sense?

Just some questions NOT an attack at all.0

I agree with a lot of what you say; this strikes me as a portrayal of God as the Old testament God. As for "Fearing God", the following:- http://www.gotquestions.org/fear-God.html

Sums it up rather nicely.

For the unbeliever, the fear of God is to fear the judgment of God and eternal death, which is eternal separation from God. For the believer, the fear of God is something much different. The believer's fear is reverence of God. Hebrews 12:28-29 is a good description of this, "Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire." This reverence and awe is exactly what the fear of God means for Christians. This is the motivating factor for us to surrender to the Creator of the Universe for His service.

This was not simply a New Testament concept, however, as we read the same attitude was required of early saints as spoken of in Deuteronomy 10:12,20-21 "Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name. He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen." Here reverence was demanded because they had actually seen the awesome hand of God. There are several key figures who were spoken of as having the fear of God, but one in particular was Abraham.
Recommended Resource: Knowing God by J.I. Packer.
 
ticandy said:
Why such an interest in stopping death. Death isn't bad. God created life and death. God created from within himself by speaking the words of creation. Then it follows that inside God is death. Paul said something about being absent from the body is to be present with Christ (foot-note: doesn't say Jesus). And that it might be better for him to be dead. But better for his people to alive. So he chose to stay alive a little more. The bible never says to be fearful of death.

I like your use of fear as both constructive and detructive. nice one! But what about "For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind."
I'm playing with words but it may be important. Does fear mean to be scared. Or to respect. Or something else. It seems that the bases of this article is the scripture The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Parafrased - Its wise to respect god. Or be scared of God and you get wise.

Replace the words "fear" with "respect" in the above red scriptures and re-read them. or replace "fear" with "be afraid of" in the above red scriptures and re-read them.
Which makes more sense?

Just some questions NOT an attack at all.0

Good Day
First question; If physical Death isn’t bad, why are you still here? If death is better why is God not the God of the dead? Why does the Bible spend so much time trying to prevent it


Ezekiel 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live

Luke 20:38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Genesis 42:18 And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; [for] I fear God:


Secondly The verse “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” is taken out of context. There are certain verses in the Bible which can stand on their own. This is not one of them. You need to read that verse in the whole context of the setting that it was written in. It has nothing to do with fearing God.

2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from [my] forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

2 Timothy 1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

2 Timothy 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

2 Timothy 1:15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

2 Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

2 Timothy 1:17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found [me].

2 Timothy 1:18
The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Finally no matter how you spin it to Fear God is to Fear God.

Peace







 
michel said:
I agree with a lot of what you say; this strikes me as a portrayal of God as the Old testament God. As for "Fearing God", the following:- http://www.gotquestions.org/fear-God.html

Sums it up rather nicely.

For the unbeliever, the fear of God is to fear the judgment of God and eternal death, which is eternal separation from God. For the believer, the fear of God is something much different. The believer's fear is reverence of God. Hebrews 12:28-29 is a good description of this, "Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire." This reverence and awe is exactly what the fear of God means for Christians. This is the motivating factor for us to surrender to the Creator of the Universe for His service.

This was not simply a New Testament concept, however, as we read the same attitude was required of early saints as spoken of in Deuteronomy 10:12,20-21 "Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name. He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen." Here reverence was demanded because they had actually seen the awesome hand of God. There are several key figures who were spoken of as having the fear of God, but one in particular was Abraham.
Recommended Resource: Knowing God by J.I. Packer.

Good Day
So we just throw all of the Old Testament away. The Old Testament isn't to nice so we would like to make it more pleasing and nice sounding. God does not change.

“The Truth can be a bitter pill to swallow, but its healing powers are immeasurable”


2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2 Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.



Peace
 

Mystic-als

Active Member
"2 Timothy 1:10But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:"

Sounds like theres no need for us to spend so much time trying to avoid death. Christ abolished death.

Or what do you think?

On the old testiment thing. I like what you've said before about the bible being a whole and can't be read only new testiment or just old testiment.
When paul said that all scripture was breathed from God. What was he talking about?
I seriously doubt he was talking about the New Testiment. Because he was busy writting some of if.
 
ticandy said:
"2 Timothy 1:10But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:"

Sounds like theres no need for us to spend so much time trying to avoid death. Christ abolished death.

Or what do you think?

On the old testiment thing. I like what you've said before about the bible being a whole and can't be read only new testiment or just old testiment.
When paul said that all scripture was breathed from God. What was he talking about?
I seriously doubt he was talking about the New Testiment. Because he was busy writting some of if.

Good Day

Christ hasn't appeared yet. This is speaking of the appearance of Christ during his next coming to prevent the Believers from the second death. You know, there are two kinds of death.



Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
 

Comet

Harvey Wallbanger
Mindonfire said:
Good Day
First question; If physical Death isn’t bad, why are you still here? If death is better why is God not the God of the dead? Why does the Bible spend so much time trying to prevent it


Ezekiel 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live

Luke 20:38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Genesis 42:18 And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; [for] I fear God:



God is not the God of the dead, but of the living..... thus He wishes for you to fear him in this life and turning from him as that will lead to "the second death" and parting from Him. Yes, He set before us life and death.......... we choose in this life whether to go to Him and life or to part from Him and go to death. He is God of the living since those are the ones that return unto Him, where as those that part from Him recieve death...... Therefore death in this "life" isn't a bad thing, it is the second death that is bad...... (that is how I see it anyway)
 
Comet said:
God is not the God of the dead, but of the living..... thus He wishes for you to fear him in this life and turning from him as that will lead to "the second death" and parting from Him. Yes, He set before us life and death.......... we choose in this life whether to go to Him and life or to part from Him and go to death. He is God of the living since those are the ones that return unto Him, where as those that part from Him recieve death...... Therefore death in this "life" isn't a bad thing, it is the second death that is bad...... (that is how I see it anyway)

Good Day
How then do you reconcile the verse below? You say there are two deaths. Hebrews states that man dies once.

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
 

Comet

Harvey Wallbanger
Mindonfire said:
Good Day
How then do you reconcile the verse below? You say there are two deaths. Hebrews states that man dies once.

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Yes, you have a body and a soul right? Man dies once and then the soul either goes to God or it goes to the second death away from God. That is the judgement..... of the soul that was with the body of the "man". And it was by your scripture verses posted that I brought up the "second death"...........
 
Comet said:
Yes, you have a body and a soul right? Man dies once and then the soul either goes to God or it goes to the second death away from God. That is the judgement..... of the soul that was with the body of the "man". And it was by your scripture verses posted that I brought up the "second death"...........


Good Day
How does Christ Judge the living and the dead at the same time if the dead go to God to be judged.


2 Timothy 4:1 I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

1 Peter 4:5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
 

Comet

Harvey Wallbanger
Mindonfire said:
Good Day
How does Christ Judge the living and the dead at the same time if the dead go to God to be judged.


2 Timothy 4:1 I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

1 Peter 4:5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

Not 100% sure what you are getting at here, nor the relavence....

We were talking about your God, not Jesus.... but okay:
Isn't God the judge and not Jesus? Isn't God omnipetant (so not spelled right)? If God is Creator of all and all-powerful, why do you limit Him?

Also, are there people who have died before us? YES- are they not to be judged at the Judgement Day as those that would be living when it comes??????? Thus the living and the dead are judged on Judgement Day- regardless that day is not defined very well..... it could be the day a person's body dies or it could be one day that all the dead/living are judged.

(PS- I am not a Christian, just very curious as to your point here...... it would be nice for a Christian who disagrees with you to join us here as well..... 3 perspectives is more insight than 2, especially when one debates what he doesn't hold to be true anyway)
 

sojourner

Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
"Fear of God" is more correctly translated as "awe." We are to stand in awe of God.

How does it makes sense to fear the One who loves you perfectly?
 
sojourner said:
"Fear of God" is more correctly translated as "awe." We are to stand in awe of God.

How does it makes sense to fear the One who loves you perfectly?

Good Day

No matter how you spin it still goes back to fear. You can even call it awe, but you still have to fear him.
You fear the One who loves you perfectly because the One who loves you perfectly has the power to destroy you or allow you to live.

Definition (Merriam Webster)
Awe: (n) 1 : an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime *stood in awe of the king* *regard nature's wonders with awe*
2 archaic a : DREAD, TERROR b : the power to inspire dread
 
sojourner said:
"Fear of God" is more correctly translated as "awe." We are to stand in awe of God.

How does it makes sense to fear the One who loves you perfectly?

Good Day

No matter how you spin it still goes back to fear. You can even call it awe, but you still have to fear him.
You fear the One who loves you perfectly because the One who loves you perfectly has the power to destroy you or allow you to live.

Definition (Merriam Webster)
Awe: (n) 1 : an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime *stood in awe of the king* *regard nature's wonders with awe*
2 archaic a : DREAD, TERROR b : the power to inspire dread
 
Top