I wrote this on Facebook a year ago:
They’re DECEIVING us! I’ve seen these LISTS for 40 years, but have never realized until now that they have not presented the balanced nature of God according to what Paul clearly states in Romans 11, and they’re setting us up for a fall. God’s *goodness* is on this list, but not His *severity*. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If we lose the fear of the Lord we become fools:
Romans 11:20 ..Don’t be conceited, but FEAR; 21 for if God didn’t spare the natural branches [the Jews], neither will he spare you. 22 See then the GOODNESS *and* SEVERITY of God. Toward those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, IF YOU CONTINUE in his goodness; OTHERWISE YOU WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF [like in Mt. 7:19 and John 15:6].
We’re not being warned — so we’ll be holy — living in the Son — together as ‘ONE!’
David Jones
In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence Prov. 14:26
Jeff Fenske
And I would say that people who live in the fear of the Lord have “strong confidence” because they’re careful to obey God, which results in holiness, a clean conscience and confidence.
Most pastors have removed the fear of the Lord through false salvation doctrinal teaching, so few make sure they are right with God and men, like Paul made sure he “always” was (Acts 24:16), working out his own salvation through fear and trembling, running his race to win!
“There is therefore now *no condemnation* to those who are IN CHRIST Jesus, who don’t WALK according to the flesh, but ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT.” (Romans 8:1)
When we walk according to the Spirit we have “no condemnation” and confidence, because we are actually abiding in Christ.
Jeff