The Fear of God

The Word of God tells us, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Pro 9:10). This is strange language to the ears of the world. Unfortunately, it also seems to be strange to many of God's children. No doubt there are many reasons for this; but standing at the head of the line is that sobering reality that nothing deprives us of our joys and pleasures like fear. Edmund Burke said, "No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear."

Fear...strength withers in its presence. Happiness flees. It's a fact woven into the fabric of our daily lives. This is why we often think of fear only in that dreadful sense of anxiety when we face the presence of danger...So we usually conclude that fear is to be avoided at all costs.

Yet the Bible tells us the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Christians often misunderstand what the fear of God is. How are we to understand this? How can we fear God and love Him at the same time? This issue of the Broadcaster attempts to answer these questions and to bring some clarity to this most important subject. From A.W. Pink's and Charles Bridges' short and helpful articles to the lengthier discourses by A'Brakel, Gill, Bunyan, and Spurgeon, there is a clear Biblical unfolding of this glorious theme. Our prayer is that you will find much help and edification as you digest each of these blessed articles.