Understanding Fear of God in the New Covenant

An incorrect understanding of the fear of God, rooted in Old Covenant perceptions of fear and judgment, rather than through the lens of the New Covenant, can profoundly affect one's relationship with God in several detrimental ways. This misperception can skew the essence of God’s character, viewing Him primarily as a judge rather than a loving Father, and can misunderstand the purpose and power of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

The Nature of God’s Judgment in the Old vs. New Covenant

In the Old Covenant, the law was given to Israel as a covenant of works, where blessings and curses were contingent upon obedience to God's commandments. Fear of punishment and divine retribution played a significant role in motivating adherence to these laws. However, the New Covenant, established through Jesus’ death and resurrection, shifts the basis of the relationship between God and humanity from adherence to the law to receiving grace through faith in Christ.

Impact of an Incorrect Fear of God

• Distorted View of God: Viewing God primarily through the lens of fear and judgment can lead to seeing Him as distant or wrathful, obscuring His nature as loving, gracious, and forgiving.

• Relational Barrier: Fear of punishment can create a barrier in the relationship with God, leading to guilt, shame, and a sense of unworthiness.  This notion is often infused by the enemy to cause the believer to think that they are actually pleasing God and are somehow more righteous due to their works. Unchecked, this mindset will become a stronghold that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.  See 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.

• An obstacle to Receiving Grace: An incorrect fear may prevent individuals from fully embracing and receiving God's grace and forgiveness.

Embracing Fear and Awe Without Fear of Retribution

To pursue God and His holiness properly, believers are called to a reverential fear and awe that acknowledges His majesty, power, and holiness but not out of anxiety over divine retribution. This call to holiness is not driven by fear of punishment but by the desire to be like our Father in heaven, motivated by love and gratitude for the gift of salvation.

The greatest form of obedience in the New Covenant context is to receive God's grace and forgiveness, acknowledging that Jesus has taken the full punishment for our sins. This acknowledgment allows us to pursue a relationship with God characterized by love, reverence, and awe—not fear of judgment. In doing so, we honor the sacrifice of Christ and the heart of the gospel, fostering a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with God.

Works and Obedience in the New Covenant

In the New Covenant, the paradigm of our relationship with God shifts fundamentally from a transactional nature to a grace-based relationship established and secured by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. This grace changes the motivation behind our actions, driving us towards a life of obedience and service out of love and gratitude.

God Receives the Credit for Our Works and Obedience

Scripture makes it clear that any good we do comes not from our own strength but from the transformative power of God's grace within us. Philippians 2:13 states, "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

The Non-Transactional Nature of Works and Obedience

The New Covenant teaches that our relationship with God does not operate on a transactional basis. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

Growth in Obedience Through Embracing God's Completed Work

The key to growth in obedience and spiritual maturity is recognizing and embracing the completed work of Christ on the cross. Hebrews 10:14 declares, "For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."  This is an amazing counterintuitive paradox.  We are already perfect (positionally and relationally with God) but at the same time we are being "made holy."  What an amazing, gracious, and forgiving Lord we serve!

Living in the Confidence of God's Love and Our Forgiveness

Understanding the depth of God's love for us and the fullness of our forgiveness through Christ is central to living a life of obedience motivated by love. Romans 8:38-39 assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In summary, the New Covenant positions our works and obedience as responses to the grace and love shown to us in Christ, motivating us to live lives that reflect His grace to the world.