"godly fear"

From a message by a Curious Questioner--
>CQ> Subj: RE: FEAR/LOVE

>CQ> In the Old Testament the instructions were to obey God out of fear, in the New Testament to obey out of love.

And in the old testament people were supposed to obey God out of love and in the new testament to obey out of fear.

>CQ> Consider also language and translation. The meaning of some words have changed considerably over the past centuries. The word translated fear by the translators of the KJV is often translated as reverence...

"Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire." (Heb.12:28,29)

Anyone who is not afraid of the fire of God, seriously needs to consider the possibility of being deceived by the devil, who was made "without fear." Reverence is not the same thing as fear. Now, it is true that "perfect" love casteth out fear; but being honest, at least with yourself, do you really love God like you should? :)

>CQ> Servants... (Colossians 3:22)
>CQ> Slaves... (Colossians 3:22 NIV)

The Author's Version's "Servants" is correct. You'll find that there is a distinction between the word "servant" and "slave", in the book of Jeremiah 2:14, the only place in the pure word of God where the word "slave" is used, and rightly so.

>CQ> Respect or reverence is a more modern meaning of the Greek and Hebrew words translated fear in the KJV.

The greek words translated "reverence" and "fear" in Heb.12:28 are not the same, and neither are the english words.

>CQ> Also that our relationship to God is one of Love because of the sacrifice that Jesus made at Calvary.

Unquestionably, we love because he first loved us.

>CQ> 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. (1 John 4:18)

But you claimed that fear should be respect, so don't you think it should read: "There is no respect in love; but perfect love casteth out respect: because respect hath torment..."? (NOT! :)

"And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." (Jud.1:22,23)

Grace be to them that CHERISH the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. --Richard

(2) "godly fear"

From a further reply by a Curious Questioner--
>CQ> Subj: RE: "GODLY FEAR"

>CQ> Thanks for your reply to my post.

You're very welcome, [Name].

>>RC> "... because respect hath torment..."? (NOT! :)

>CQ> Well you got me here. :*)

Yep. (Should I admit how I learned the same? [sheepish grin] :)

>CQ> The original question prompting my post was how to relay to a child to both Love and fear God ie. how is a child to love someone who they are taught should be feared?

The opposite of love is hate, not fear. If you love God, then when tempted to do something unloving, you should be afraid of not being pleasing to the Lord. You should be afraid of losing rewards that you otherwise might have received. And you should be afraid of having "the hand of the Lord upon thee" while bent over his knee! (Children should be afraid to do evil and should LOVE to do good. :)

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men..." (2Cor.5:10,11p)

("It is better to be hell-SCARED than hell-SCORCHED!" --Anonymous)

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge:" (Prove.1:7p)

"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil:" (Prove.8:13p)

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:" (Prove.9:10p)

"The fear of the Lord prolongeth days:" (Prove.10:27p)

"In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death." (Prove.14:26,27)

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (1Thess.5:21 :)

Remember that Jesus is the Lord and receive the love of the truth. Grace, with godly fear, be unto you for Jesus' sake. Amen. --Richard