The Fear Of The Lord - Part 2

“If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” Psalms 130:3-4 ESV 

Instead of punishment for our iniquities God offers forgiveness. We cannot stand before Him if He should mark or point out our iniquities. Iniquity is another word for sin and wickedness. Thankfully He has chosen not to keep account of our sins; instead He has offered us forgiveness and salvation from the eternal consequences of our sin. “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12 ESV. 

Who do we fear? We are warned not to fear man, “The fear of man lays a snare but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” Proverbs 29:25 ESV. We are to fear the Lord. We fear Him because He is the almighty and all-powerful God of the universe.We fear Him not because we are afraid, but because of reverence, respect, esteem and honor. “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 ESV. He should be feared because He alone has the power to destroy us in hell; however He used His power to provide eternal life, bearing our sins through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. He could have used His power to destroy us, but He used it to save us. To fear of the Lord is to hold Him in high esteem; to honor, to respect, to worship, to venerate, to value and to stand in awe of Him.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank you for forgiveness, we are in awe of your great power toward us, which you demonstrated to save us from our sins. We hold you in high esteem and pray that you give us a true revelation of how we are to fear you. 

God bless,

Pastor Matt