Fear Or Faith

Places like Psalm 25:14 & 14 speak of the fear of the Lord. Is it by fear then that we ultimately look toward Him for salvation? I think it was for myself when I realized how the life I was living was completely abominable.

Q. Places like Psalm 25:14 & 14 speak of the fear of the Lord. Is it by fear then that we ultimately look toward Him for salvation? I think it was for myself when I realized how the life I was living was completely abominable.

A. According to Strong’s Concordance it’s a reverent fear, which I think is more like respect. Romans 2:4 says that it’s God’s kindness that leads us to repentance, showing how the cross changed things from statements like those you’ve quoted. In the Old Testament it was The fear of loss that motivated people. In the New it’s our faith in the promise of gain, because through the cross we’ve been reconciled with God and He’s made peace with us. (Colossians 1:19-20) In coming to Him we gain a better life here and for all of eternity.

Fear and faith cannot occupy the same mind at the same time. When we begin to fear the consequences of continuing in our old ways, it’s our faith in the Lord’s promise to save us and forgive us that draws us to Him. That faith is a gift from God that drives away our fears.